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Retroperitoneal fibrosis presenting as acute renal failure

Nature Clinical Practice Nephrology volume 1, pages 55–59 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Background A 60-year-old man with a history of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid and coronary vasculature presented with lower back pain and acute renal failure. Imaging studies revealed bilateral ureteral obstruction by a large retroperitoneal mass.

Investigations Physical examination, urine and blood analysis, catheterization, radiography of the chest, abdominal and pelvic CT, magnetic resonance angiography, renal ultrasound and biopsy of mass.

Diagnosis Retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Management Ureteral stenting, laparoscopic ureterolysis, and immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil.

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Figure 1: Non-contrast transverse CT scan showing a retroperitoneal mass surrounding the aorta (arrow).
Figure 2: Retroperitoneal biopsy specimen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas

    Robert F Reilly Jr

  2. Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, USA

    Robert F Reilly Jr

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  1. Robert F Reilly Jr
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Correspondence to Robert F Reilly Jr.

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The author declares no competing financial interests.

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Reilly, R. Retroperitoneal fibrosis presenting as acute renal failure. Nat Rev Nephrol 1, 55–59 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpneph0023

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpneph0023

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