RETROPERITONEAL FIBROSIS MIMICKING A RECTAL TUMOR - REPORT OF A CASE

PURPOSE: The study contained herein was undertaken to report an origin al case of retroperitoneal fibrosis that resembled a rectal tumor both symptomatically and radiologically. METHOD: Reported is a case of ret rorectal fibrosis with a brief Literature review of the topic. RESULT: Although many forms of retroperitoneal fibrosis have been reported, e xtension below the pelvic rim is very unusual. Compression of the rect um and right ureter, with constipation as a chief complaint, made this case presentation unusual. Although computerized tomographic findings and needle biopsies supported the diagnosis of retroperitoneal fibros is, an exploratory laparotomy was necessary to rule out a malignancy a nd to release the ureter. CONCLUSION: A fibrotic mass involving the re trorectal region may mimic a rectal tumor. To reach a final diagnosis, an exploratory laparotomp may be necessary, despite sophisticated eva luation techniques, because it is difficult to differentiate whether t he mass is malignant.