Retroperitoneal fibrosis
Alternative Names
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis; Ormond's diseaseSymptoms
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.
Exams and Tests
- 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
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