RETROPERITONEAL FIBROSIS - UNUSUAL LOCALIZATION

Six cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis, each with a different pathogene sis and unusual localization were observed from 1980 to 1996. Four pat ients had had previous surgery for a neoplasm, one patient had idiopat hic retroperitoneal fibrosis, and the last patient was hardly classifi able due to the complexity of the clinical pattern. The mean survival in 3 patients with malignant retroperitoneal fibrosis was 7 months. Tw o patients treated with medical therapy are still alive and in good cl inical condition. The aspecificity of the symptoms makes early diagnos is difficult. CT and NMR are essential procedures for differential dia gnosis of abdominal masses. Histology differentiates benign from malig nant retroperitoneal fibrosis. The choice between medical or surgical therapy depends on the general condition of each patient.