[The Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome. Apropos of an unusual hepatic ultrasonic aspect].

A 22 year old woman was diagnosed as having a Fitz-Hugh and Curtis syndrome (FHCS) or venereal perihepatitis during laparoscopy for investigation of pain in right hypochondrium and fever. Abdominal ultrasonography images presented an unusual appearance suggestive of a perihepatic effusion and of thickening of Glisson's capsule, lesions that were confirmed on laparoscopy. This ultrasound image could not be formally distinguished from a normal variant, but ultrasonography is still a valid method of diagnosis of FHCS. An acute cholecystitis in a young woman should suggest the diagnosis; absence of a right renal, hepatic or gallbladder anomaly should lead to investigation by ultrasound of the possible presence of an abdominal effusion of fluid and pelvic inflammation. Perihepatitis is confirmed on laparoscopy, which also allows sampling for bacteriologic and serologic tests to identify the causal germ: gonococcus and particularly Chlamydia trachomatis. Treatment consists of administration of specific antibiotics (ampicillin or doxycycline).