Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis

Last revised by Joshua Yap on 24 Apr 2023

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, also known as Ormond disease or occasionally Albarran-Ormond syndrome 6, is a subtype of retroperitoneal fibrosis where no cause is found. It includes a spectrum of diseases that are characterized by fibroinflammatory tissue encasing the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries. This process may extend into the retroperitoneum, often enveloping the adjacent structures, e.g. ureters. 

Retroperitoneal fibrosis in general is an uncommon condition with an estimated incidence of about 1.38 in 100,000 1. Of these, ~70% are idiopathic.

It is seen in association with other autoimmune processes, suggesting the possibility of an underlying autoimmune pathology.

Reported associations include:

This inflammatory pathology is thought to arise as an autoimmune response to ceroid which leaks out of the atherosclerotic plaques and causes vasculitis. 

Appears as a contrast-enhancing fibrosis encompassing the retroperitoneal structures, typically causing ureteric and vascular obstruction and displacement with no other demonstrable alternative conditions or malignancy.

Recently, contrast-enhancing pericoronary artery tissue proliferations (mistletoe sign) have also been reported in some patients. 

Complications such as acute renal failure secondary to periureteral involvement require prompt intervention. Treatment usually involves corticosteroids with or without other immunomodulating medications or tamoxifen. In the presence of periureteral or perivascular involvement, surgical intervention may be necessary.

The disorder was first described in 1905 by the French urologist Joaquin Albarran (1860-1912) and later first described in the English literature in 1948 by the American urologist John Kelso Ormond (1886-1978) 3-6.

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