Suprapubic catheter encasement by bladder stone.

Complications of suprapubic catheterization including acute urinary retention present often to the emergency department. Patients with chronic indwelling catheters are at increased risk of bladder calculi and recurrent infections, especially without appropriate follow up care. We describe a case of suprapubic catheter failure secondary to complete circumferential encrustation of the distal catheter tip by a bladder calculus. This case demonstrates the need for thorough evaluation of any case of catheter dysfunction and for careful consideration of bladder calculi in those patients at risk.