Retroperitoneal fibrosis: case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction. The first description of extrinsic uretheral obstruction by retroperitoneal fibrosis occurred in 1905. In little more than a century, about 800 cases of this disease have been reported. Case description. We report the case of a female 55 year-old patient who presents with diffuse abdominal pain of long duration, nausea, vomiting, fever of 38°C and hypertension of 160/100 mmHg. A CT scan is performed that shows a retroperitoneal mass that obstructs the urethers. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, urethers were released and biopsy was taken. Pathology analysis showed the presence of retroperitoneal fibrosis, a rare pathological entity whose diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion based on clinical, imaging and laboratory workup. Literature review. There are no clear definitions of the variety of disorders that are included in the spectrum of retroperitoneal fibrosis, due to the rarity of this condition. Consequently, we lack diagnostic criteria and a consistent classification of the different forms that it may adopt. However, when there is suspicion of retroperitoneal fibrosis, the first step is to establish whether it is idiopathic or secondary, as there will be treatment implications. Conclusion. Retroperitoneal fibrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis whenever diffuse abdominal pain is associated with uretheral or great vessels compression