ABOUT THE DISEASE

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disorder that blocks the tubes (ureters) that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder due to the presence of a fibro-inflammatory tissue, which usually surrounds the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries and extends into the retroperitoneum to envelop neighbouring structures, e.g. the ureters.

CAUSES

The cause of this problem is not known. It is most common in Men aged 40 - 60. Men are twice as likely to develop the condition as women. However some of the associative conditions include:
(1) infections such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and actinomycosis;
(2) drugs including methysergide, pergolide, bromocriptine, ergotomines, methyldopa, hydralazine and beta blockers;
(3) external beam radiation that may be used to treat various forms of cancer;
(4) recent abdominal or pelvic surgery; or recent abdominal/pelvic trauma.

SYMPTOMS

The disease process typically begins with clinical symptoms of flank pain, and unexplained weight loss along with change in colour and pain in legs (early stages) leading upto a complete blockage of urine flow, nausea, vomiting, etc. due to kidney failure in later stages.

DIAGNOSIS

- Abdominal CT Scan / MRI.
- Biopsy of the involved area.
- Kidney function tests.
- Markers of inflammation in the blood.

TREATMENT METHODS

There is a growing body of evidence that this disease is mediated by the immune system therefore a combination of immuno suppressants and a surgical intervention for temporary relief of obstruction is required. Corticosteroids are tried first. If that does not work surgery and stent (draining tubes from kidney to drain the urine) are required.

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