Imaging diagnosis of acute urinary retention caused by a congenital imperforate hymen: A case report

Congenital hymen atresia is a rare congenital malformation of the female genital tract. Due to its physiologic and anatomic characteristics, congenital hymen atresia is often challenging to detect and is typically associated with complications that necessitate medical evaluation. We present the case of a 12-year-old patient who developed acute urinary retention secondary to a congenital imperforate hymen. Both ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the presence of congenital imperforate hymen accompanied by blood accumulation in the uterus and vagina, which contributed to the urinary retention. The patient underwent hymenotomy under general anesthesia. By the second postoperative day, the bladder had emptied successfully, and at an 8-month follow-up, menstruation and urination were normal. The ultrasonographic and MRI findings of congenital imperforate hymen exhibit specific diagnostic characteristics. While ultrasonography is the preferred initial diagnostic modality, MRI can enhance the detection rate and provide further clarity.