RETROPERITONEAL PANNICULITIS - RARE DIAGN OSIS OR BEGINNING OF RETROPERITONEAL FIBROSIS

Retroperitoneal panniculitis is a very rare cause of retroperitoneal s oft tissue masses with consecutive ureteric obstruction. Typical findi ngs a re abnormal perinephric soft tissue density with linear strands in the computerized tomography as well as unregular bilateral impressi on of the ureter without medialisation, noticable in the retrograde py elography. Most of the times, the etiology of the disease remains uncl ear and the outcome of cases with idiopathic retroperitoneal panniculi tis is uncertain. Spontaneous resolvement is known as well, as chronic development even under medical treatment. Nevertheless, in cases with very fast progression, highdose steroid-therapy should be initiated a nd fast relief of renal obstruction by ureteral stents or nephrostomy should be performed.