Acute Kidney Injury Secondary to Acute Urinary Retention in an 87-Year-Old Female with Prolonged Poor Oral Intake in Hospital National Guido Valadares, Timor Leste on May 2026: A Case Report

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common medical emergency in elderly patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Postrenal obstruction accounts for approximately 5–10% of AKI cases but is more common among older adults. We report the case of an 87-year-old woman who presented with a 10-day history of inability to eat and drink, progressive weakness, abdominal distension, and inability to pass urine. Examination revealed a markedly distended bladder consistent with acute urinary retention. Laboratory investigations demonstrated severe AKI and Urinary Tract infection (UTI). Prompt bladder catheterization drained a large volume of urine, resulting in rapid clinical improvement and gradual recovery of renal function. This case highlights the importance of considering urinary retention as a reversible cause of AKI in elderly women, where delayed diagnosis may lead to permanent renal damage.