Purple Urine Bag Syndrome: A Bizarre Spot Diagnosis in ICU

Abstract

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a visually striking rare disease seen in association with urinary tract infection. It is most commonly seen in elderly ladies with chronic debilitating diseases having prolonged indwelling urinary catheters. In cases of recurrent urinary tract infection, bacteria responsible for producing enzymes sulfatase and phosphatase produce pigments like indigo and indirubin which turn urine color into purple. We hereby present a case report of this unique phenomenon in an 82 years old lady with etiology, pathogenesis, clinical associations, and prognosis.