Learn About Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disorder that blocks the tubes (ureters) that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis; Ormond's disease
Retroperitoneal fibrosis occurs when extra fibrous tissue forms in the area behind the stomach and intestines. The tissue forms a mass (or masses) or tough fibrotic tissue. It can block the tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder.
The cause of this problem is mostly unknown. It is most common in people aged 40 to 60. Men are twice as likely to develop the condition as women.
Early symptoms:
- Dull pain in the abdomen or flank that increases with time
- Pain and change of color in the legs (due to decreased blood flow)
- Swelling of one leg
Later symptoms:
- Decreased urine output
- No urine output (anuria)
- Nausea, vomiting, changes in mental status caused by kidney failure and build-up of toxic chemicals in the blood
- Severe abdominal pain with blood in the stool (due to death of intestinal tissue)
Corticosteroids are tried first. Some health care providers also prescribe a drug called tamoxifen.
If corticosteroid treatment does not work, a biopsy should be done to confirm the diagnosis. Other medicines to suppress the immune system can be prescribed.
When medicine does not work, surgery and stents (draining tubes) are needed.
University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center At Dallas
Jeffrey Cadeddu is an Urologist in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Cadeddu and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. His top areas of expertise are Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), UPJ Obstruction, Prostate Cancer, Nephrectomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Cadeddu is currently accepting new patients.
University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center At Dallas
Seth Toomay is a Radiologist in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Toomay and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), SVC Obstruction, Liver Embolization, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.
American Radiology Consultants PLLC
Jason Moss is an Interventional Radiologist and a Radiologist in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Moss and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Bile Duct Obstruction, Jaundice, Liver Embolization, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Moss is currently accepting new patients.
The outlook will depend on the extent of the problem and the amount of damage to the kidneys.
The kidney damage may be temporary or permanent.
The disorder may lead to:
- Ongoing blockage of the tubes leading from the kidney on one or both sides
- Chronic kidney disease or failure
Contact your provider if you have lower abdomen or flank pain and less output of urine.
Try to avoid long-term use of medicines that contain methysergide. This drug has been shown to cause retroperitoneal fibrosis. Methysergide is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches.
Summary: Retroperitoneal fibrosis refers to a group of diseases characterized by hyperplasia of the fibrosclerotic tissues in the retroperitoneal space, which can compress the surrounding ureters and inferior vena cava and cause serious complications such as aortic aneurysm, renal failure, and even death. The lesion is diffuse and difficult to resect. corticosteroid is the first-line medication, but the re...
Summary: Adult patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis Prospective multicentric cohort study Intervention : administration of prednisone during 9 to 21 months at 1mg/kg/day at inclusion.
Published Date: April 01, 2023
Published By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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