RETROPERITONEAL FIBROSIS

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a well-characterized chronic inflammatory process that leads to several other fibrosing diseases and may be part of a systemic fibrosing disease. The vast majority of cases are idiop athic, whereas the remainder are associated with methysergide ingestio n, malignancy, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. An immune-mediated etio logy has been proposed. The symptoms of retroperitoneal fibrosis are v ague and nonspecific, making radiology the key to its diagnosis. Treat ment aims to relieve symptoms and halt the progression of the disease. This article reviews the pathogenesis, presentation, radiologic diagn osis, and treatment of the disease.