Idiopathic pelvic fibrosis: a variant of retroperitoneal fibrosis?

The management of 2 cases of a rare condition previously labelled idiopathic pelvic fibrosis is described. Two cases reported previously are reviewed. The unusual histologic and radiologic features are emphasized, and the differences between this condition and idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis are summarized. Etiologic features, including the possible role of previous pelvic infection, drug-induced hypersensitivity and autoimmunity, are discussed. We believe that disease originating in the vas may be the source of this unusual fibrotic process.