Obstructive uropathy after pan-proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis

Malignant retroperitoneal fibrosis: MRI characteristics in 50 patients

We analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) morphologic patterns of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RF) to identify those able to distinguish malignant RF (mRF) from idiopathic RF (iRF). This retrospective study concerned 50 consecutive patients with MRI-based RF diagnoses, 35 of whom also had histologically proven RF. Previous radiotherapy, abdominal or pelvic surgery or infection during the preceding 6 months, vascular aneurysm (aorta or iliac artery), presence of retroperitoneal multiple nodular masses, or enlarged lymph nodes with a diameter >15 mm constituted exclusion criteria. Patients with mRF differed from those with iRF by age, smoking habits, and follow-up duration but not by clinical manifestations, inflammatory syndrome, or renal insufficiency. MRI-documented mRF extension along the aorta, from above the renal arteries to below the aortic bifurcation, was more frequent than iRF (47% vs. 0%; p = 0.001) but less frequent between the renal arteries and the aortic bifurcation (18% vs. 50%; p = 0.04); mRF extension behind the aorta was wider than iRF (5.0 vs. 2.5 mm; p = 0.03). Neither urinary tract nor vessel involvement differed. Medial ureteral attraction was significantly less frequent in mRF than iRF (24% vs. 83%; p < 0.001), according to univariate and multivariate analyses. An algorithm based on the most discriminant criteria (RF extending from above the renal arteries to below the aortic bifurcation and the absence of medial ureteral attraction) for mRF diagnosis had 82% sensitivity and 83% specificity. When applied to the 15 iRF patients without histologic data, specificity was 73%. This mRF decision tree, consisting of the 2 most discriminant MRI criteria, could be used as a supplementary argument to support RF biopsy.

[A case of cap polyposis complicated with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis]

An optimal treatment for cap polyposis has not been established. Several treatment approaches, including anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, immunomodulators, and endoscopic therapy have been described. Surgical resection of the affected colon and rectum may be indicated for patients with persistent disease. Repeat surgery is indicated in cases of recurrence after surgery. However, symptomatic polyposis may still recur, and spontaneous resolution of cap polyposis is possible. We report a case of recurrent cap polyposis complicated with retroperitoneal fibrosis after inadequate low anterior resection with a positive resection margin. Surgical approaches for the treatment of cap polyposis should be carefully considered before treatment.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis encompasses a range of diseases characterised by the presence of a fibro-inflammatory tissue, which usually surrounds the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries and extends into the retroperitoneum to envelop neighbouring structures--eg, ureters. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is generally idiopathic, but can also be secondary to the use of certain drugs, malignant diseases, infections, and surgery. Idiopathic disease was thought to result from a local inflammatory reaction to antigens in the atherosclerotic plaques of the abdominal aorta, but clinicolaboratory findings--namely, the presence of constitutional symptoms and the high concentrations of acute-phase reactants--and the frequent association of the disease with autoimmune diseases that involve other organs suggest that it might be a manifestation of a systemic autoimmune or inflammatory disease. Steroids are normally used to treat idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, although other options--eg, immunosuppressants, tamoxifen--are available. The outlook is usually good, but, if not appropriately diagnosed or treated, the disease can cause severe complications, such as end-stage renal failure. Here, we review the different aspects of retroperitoneal fibrosis, focusing on idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and on the differential diagnosis associated with the secondary forms.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis during the course of ulcerative colitis. A simple coincidence?

Retroperitoneal fibrosis has been described as a rare occurrence during the course of inflammatory bowel disease, mainly Crohn's disease. This is the third report on retroperitoneal fibrosis occurring during the course of ulcerative colitis. A 62-year-old male patient with a 5-year history of ulcerative colitis developed stenosis of the left ureter due to retroperitoneal fibrosis. Treatment consisted in surgically releasing the ureter from the mass and steroids. During a 2.5-year follow-up, renal function was stable and ulcerative colitis in remission. Important aspects of this case are the moderate course of ulcerative colitis, ultrasound confirmation of normal kidney structure before manifestation of fibrosis, hypertension diagnosed four years before retroperitoneal fibrosis, a non-functioning kidney at diagnosis, and reduction of retroperitoneal mass after steroid treatment. Retroperitoneal fibrosis, although a rare disease entity should be considered when a patient with ulcerative colitis develops otherwise unexplained renal insufficiency.