Retroperitoneal fibrosis Causes and Risks:
Retroperitoneal fibrosis is caused by a benign (noncancerous) fibrous mass that occurs in the retroperitoneal space (the back of the abdomen behind the abdominal lining). The cause is unknown.
The disorder is rare, involving about 5 out of 100,000 people, mostly men. The disorder may cause chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy or chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy as a result of ureteral occlusion caused when growth of the mass puts pressure on the ureters. The symptoms are caused by the obstruction of the ureters.
Prevention:
Avoid prolonged use of medications with methysergide.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
The blood pressure may be elevated and difficult to control.
Treatment:
Surgical removal of the mass and freeing of the ureters is required.
The treatment of symptoms associated with obstructive uropathy may be required. Stents or drains placed in the ureter or in the renal pelvis may provide short-term relief of the symptoms until the mass is removed.
Corticosteroid therapy may be of value if surgery is impracticable (surgery is not advised because of the patient's general ill health of the person or other reasons).
Prognosis:
Surgical removal is the fibrosis. Kidney damage may be temporary or permanent.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of retroperitoneal fibrosis develop, including decreased urine volume .
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