Twee patiënten met idiopathische retroperitoneale fibrose

- Two patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis are described. The presenting symptoms were aspecific abdominal discomfort, malaise and weight loss. The unexpected rise in their serum creatinine, due to ureteral obstruction, eventually led to the right diagnosis in both patients. Biopsy specimens taken at laparotomy for ureteral deviation proved the benign nature of the retroperitoneal process. The possible relation to betablocker use in one patient is discussed. It is important to distinguish the condition from various malignant diseases and from carcinoid. A summary of the literature is given concerning the possible pathogenetic factors leading to the extensive fibrosis.