Diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal fibrosis: A case report

Abstract

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease of unclear etiology, which is characterized by a chronic non-specific inflammation of the retroperitoneum. The present study reports the case of a 36-year-old male with a 3-month history of lower right abdominal pain (intermittent) and weight loss (5 kg). A mass was identified that covered the surface of the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava near the right renal hilum. Three shots with an automated gun were employed to biopsy the mass. The patient began taking prednisone one month subsequent to the surgery at a dose of 10 mg, three times a day once a month and at continuously reducing doses for 1 year. CT scans showed that the retroperitoneal mass decreased in size with the progression of the treatment and that the mass had almost disappeared on the final month’s MRI scan. In conclusion, the diagnosis of retroperitoneal fibrosis is an effective process that excludes the other diagnoses for the lesion. A biopsy of the mass is a necessity for the final stage of diagnosis and is supported by the response to the steroid treatment.

Retroperitoneal Fibrosis Due to Opium Abuse: A Case Series and Literature Review

“…RPF has an unclear etiology, and was first described by Albarron in 1905 (1, 2). However, more cases of this disease have since been reported (1, 7, 8). RPF is also known as Ormond’s disease (9).…”

“…Bilateral ureteral obstruction can present with uremic symptoms. Entrapment of the inferior vena cava can present as lower extremity edema, scrotal edema, or deep vein thrombophlebitis of the leg (1, 6, 13). …”

“…Blood tests to check renal function, autoantibodies, and tumor markers are advised (1). Inflammatory markers (acute-phase reactants), such as ESR and CRP, are elevated in more than half of RPF patients (2, 14).…”

“…It was first described in 1905, but more cases of this disease have since been reported (1, 2). RPF presents with the development of aberrant fibroinflammatory tissue in the retroperitoneal space, which can lead to entrapment and obstruction of the retroperitoneal structures, such as the ureters, aorta, and other abdominal organs (1, 3). …”

“…It can also present with ureteral obstruction, lower extremity edema, varicocele, and renal failure (1, 2, 6). …”