Retroperitoneal Inflammation Overview
Learn About Retroperitoneal Inflammation
Retroperitoneal inflammation causes swelling that occurs in the retroperitoneal space. Over time, it can lead to a mass behind the abdomen and its contents called retroperitoneal fibrosis.
The retroperitoneal space is in front of the lower back and behind the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Organs in this space include the:
- Kidneys
- Lymph nodes
- Pancreas
- Spleen
- Ureters
Retroperitonitis
Retroperitoneal inflammation and fibrosis is a rare condition. There is no clear cause in about 70% of cases. It most likely develops due to inflammation of the abdominal aortic artery.
Conditions that can rarely lead to this include:
- Abdominal radiation therapy for cancer
- Cancer -- bladder, breast, colon, lymphoma, prostate, sarcoma
- Carcinoid tumor
- Crohn disease
- Infections -- tuberculosis, histoplasmosis
- Certain medicines, such as methysergide, ergotamine, pergolide, methyldopa, etanercept and infliximab
- Surgery of structures in the retroperitoneum
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Flank pain
- Low back pain
- Malaise
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of retroperitoneal inflammation and fibrosis.
Jaime Gomez is a General Surgeon and a Colorectal Surgeon in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Gomez and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Hemorrhoids, Hernia, Rectal Prolapse, Hemorrhoidectomy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Gomez is currently accepting new patients.
Texas Trauma Medical Group, PLLC
Sabrina Frierson is a General Surgeon in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Frierson and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. Her top areas of expertise are Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Hernia Surgery, and Hip Replacement. Dr. Frierson is currently accepting new patients.
Singleton Associates PA
Daniel Miller is a Radiologist in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Miller and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Hydrocephalus, Headache, Gallbladder Disease, and Secondary Peritonitis.
How well you do with the condition depends on the underlying cause. It can lead to kidney failure.
Published Date: December 04, 2022
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. 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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