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Contents of this page: | |
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Alternative Names Return to top
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis; Ormond's diseaseDefinition Return to top
Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a disorder in which the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder are blocked by a fibrous mass in the back of the abdomen.
Causes Return to top
Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disorder caused by an excess of fibrous tissue in the area just behind the stomach. Doctors don't know why these masses form. It is most common in people aged 40 - 60, and men are twice as likely to develop them as women.
The disorder may cause chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy or chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy, which result when the fibrous mass blocks the ureters.The symptoms are caused by the obstruction of the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Symptoms Return to top
Early symptoms:
Later symptoms:
Exams and Tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Powerful anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids are tried first. Some doctors also use a drug called tamoxifen to treat this condition.
If corticosteroid treatment doesn't work, a biopsy should be done to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, other medicines to suppress the immune system are usually prescribed.
When medicine does not work, surgery and stents (draining tubes) are needed.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Prognosis depends on the extent of the fibrosis and the amount of damage to the kidneys. The kidney damage may be temporary or permanent.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you experience lower abdomen or flank pain, particularly with decreased urine volume.
Prevention Return to top
If possible, avoid prolonged use of medications which contain methysergide, which has been shown to cause retroperitoneal fibrosis.
Update Date: 5/18/2007 Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 29 January 2009 |