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.
Menorah Medical Group LLC
Lina Obrien is a Colorectal Surgeon in Overland Park, Kansas. Dr. Obrien and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. Her top areas of expertise are Rectal Prolapse, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Diverticular Disease, Hernia Surgery, and Ileostomy. Dr. Obrien is currently accepting new patients.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Robert Thomen is a Family Medicine provider in Humboldt, Kansas. Dr. Thomen and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Pneumonia, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Thomen is currently accepting new patients.
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Bruce Lee is a Family Medicine provider in Humboldt, Kansas. Dr. Lee and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Pneumonia, Atypical Pneumonia, Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, Familial Hypertension, and Endoscopy. Dr. Lee is currently accepting new patients.
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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