Comprehensive Imaging Diagnosis Of The Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

Objective:To evaluate the value of imaging modality in the diagnosis of the retroperitoneal fibrosis.Methods:Imaging fingdings on intravenous phelography(IVP), computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance(MR) of 9 cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis confirmed by clinical-pathological diagnosis were analyzed retrospectively.CT scan including plain and contrast-enhanceed scan was performed in all cases.IVP was performed in five cases and MR scan were obtained in two cases.Results: Hydronephrosis was found in 3 of 5 cases.IVP in 2 of thoes cases showed a triad of medial deviation and extrinsic compression of ureters and hydroureteronephrosis.The IVP in 1 of 3 cases showed hydronephrosis without contrast medium in the lateral ureter. There were no contrast medium in the lateral renal pelvis and urters in the last 2 cases.CT plain scan in 9 cases showed homogeneous tissues isodense to the surrounding muscle encasing the great vessels of retroperitoneal space.Six of the 9 cases were associtated with hydronephrosis and dilatation of the ureters.During enhancement,8 of 9 cases were enhanced in different range.Conclusion:Work-up with IVP,CT and MRI play an important role in detecte and characterize retroperitoneal fibrsis.The retroperitoneal fiborsis should be considered when a mass in retroperitoneal space,especially with hydronephrosis and dilatation of the ureters was found.CT and MR can also help to stage the disease and monitor the therapeutic effects.