[Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (Ormond's disease)].

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) represents a rare inflammatory disease, which leads to extensive fibrosis of the retroperitoneal space. In the course of the progressive fibrosis, fibrous tissue compresses the retroperitoneal structures with the development of consecutive ureteral obstruction. Because of the unknown aetiology, no consensus between conservative and surgical treatment exists.

CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old patient was admitted to hospital with left-sided flank pain, hydronephrosis, and retroperitoneal tumour. A CT scan-guided biopsy revealed RPF. The hydronephrosis was treated by endoluminal urinary diversion. Under simultaneous administration of steroids, an almost complete regression of the RPF was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

First goal in the treatment of RPF is urinary diversion to protect the renal function. A simultaneous therapy with steroids can cause a complete regression of the RPF. Surgical intervention is only recommended in refractory cases.