Retroperitoneal fibrosis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Male urinary system

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis; Ormond's disease

Early symptoms:

• Dull pain in the abdomen that increases with time
• Swelling of one leg
• Decreased circulation in the legs leading to pain and discoloration
• Severe abdominal pain with hemorrhage due to ischemic bowel

Later symptoms:

• Decreased urine output
• Total lack of urine (anuria)
• Nausea, vomiting, changes in thinking caused by kidney failure and the resulting build-up of toxic chemicals in the blood.

• Serum BUN and creatinine showing elevated levels
• Kidney ultrasound showing hydronephrosis (distention of the kidney pelvis because of fluid accumulation) and a mass
• Excretory urography showing compression and deviation of the ureters
• Abdominal CT scan (the best test to reveal the retroperitoneal mass)
• MRI (compares well to the CT scan)
• Biopsy showing either retroperitoneal fibrosis or a cancerous tumor

Review Date: 06/03/2005
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.