Health Encyclopedia

Retroperitoneal fibrosis

Definition

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disorder that blocks the tubes (ureters) that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Alternative Names

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis; Ormond's disease

Causes

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.

Symptoms

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)

Exams and Tests

Abdominal CT scan is the best way to find a retroperitoneal mass.

Other tests that can help diagnose this condition include:

BUN and creatinine blood tests
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), not as commonly used
Kidney ultrasound
MRI of the abdomen
CT scan of the abdomen and retroperitoneum

A biopsy of the mass may also be done to check for cancer.

Treatment

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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.

Possible Complications

The disorder may lead to:

Ongoing blockage of the tubes leading from the kidney on one or both sides
Chronic kidney disease or failure

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have lower abdomen or flank pain and less output of urine.

Prevention

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.

References

Comperat E, Bonsib SM, Cheng L. Renal pelvis and ureter. In: Cheng L, MacLennan GT, Bostwick DG, eds. Urologic Surgical Pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 3.

Nakada SY, Best SL. Management of upper urinary tract obstruction. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 89.

Privratsky AM, Barreto JC, Tumage RH. Abdominal wall, umbilicus, peritoneum, mesenteries, omentum, and retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 44.

Shanmugam VK. Vasculitis and other uncommon arteriopathies. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 138.

Review Date:4/1/2023
Reviewed 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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