Learn About Retroperitoneal Inflammation

What is the definition of Retroperitoneal Inflammation?

Retroperitoneal inflammation causes swelling that occurs in the retroperitoneal space. Over time, it can lead to a mass behind the abdomen and its contents called retroperitoneal fibrosis.

The retroperitoneal space is in front of the lower back and behind the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Organs in this space include the:

  • Kidneys
  • Lymph nodes
  • Pancreas
  • Spleen
  • Ureters
What are the alternative names for Retroperitoneal Inflammation?

Retroperitonitis

What are the causes of Retroperitoneal Inflammation?

Retroperitoneal inflammation and fibrosis is a rare condition. There is no clear cause in about 70% of cases. It most likely develops due to inflammation of the abdominal aortic artery.

Conditions that can rarely lead to this include:

  • Abdominal radiation therapy for cancer
  • Cancer -- bladder, breast, colon, lymphoma, prostate, sarcoma
  • Carcinoid tumor
  • Crohn disease
  • Infections -- tuberculosis, histoplasmosis
  • Certain medicines, such as methysergide, ergotamine, pergolide, methyldopa, etanercept and infliximab
  • Surgery of structures in the retroperitoneum
What are the symptoms of Retroperitoneal Inflammation?

Symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Anorexia
  • Flank pain
  • Low back pain
  • Malaise
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What are the current treatments for Retroperitoneal Inflammation?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of retroperitoneal inflammation and fibrosis.

Who are the top Retroperitoneal Inflammation Local Doctors?
General Surgery
General Surgery

Memorial Professional Services Ltd

715 S Taft Ave, 
Fremont, OH 
 15.9 mi
Accepting New Patients

Michael Grillis is a General Surgeon in Fremont, Ohio. Dr. Grillis and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Gallbladder Disease, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Grillis is currently accepting new patients.

General Surgery
General Surgery
102 Commerce Park Dr Ste D, 
Bellevue, OH 
 1.9 mi
Accepting New Patients

Todd Tamlyn is a General Surgeon in Bellevue, Ohio. Dr. Tamlyn and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Peptic Ulcer, Necrosis, and Gallbladder Disease. Dr. Tamlyn is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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General Surgery
General Surgery

Northern Ohio Medical Specialists, LLC

703 Tyler St, Suite 150, 
Sandusky, OH 
 13.7 mi
Accepting New Patients

Paul Laffay is a General Surgeon in Sandusky, Ohio. Dr. Laffay and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Retroperitoneal Inflammation. His top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Hernia, Gallbladder Removal, and Hernia Surgery. Dr. Laffay is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Retroperitoneal Inflammation?

How well you do with the condition depends on the underlying cause. It can lead to kidney failure.

What are the latest Retroperitoneal Inflammation Clinical Trials?
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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: December 04, 2022
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Mathews JB, Turaga K. Surgical peritonitis and other diseases of the peritoneum, mesentery, omentum, and diaphragm. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 39.

McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123.

Mettler FA, Guiberteau MJ. Inflammation and infection imaging. In: Mettler FA, Guiberteau MJ, eds. Essentials of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 12.

Privratsky AM, Barreto JC, Turnage RH. Abdominal wall, umbilicus, peritoneum, mesenteries, omentum, and retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 44.