Diagnosis and management of retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is an uncommon and ill-understood condition with a variety of causes and presenting features. An auto-immune vasculitis is thought to be responsible for the nonspecific inflammatory reaction, which is situated in relation to the aorta and major vessels, mainly in the lumbar region. Radiology plays a major role in its diagnosis, which can be confirmed by laparotomy and biopsy. Ureteric obstruction frequently occurs and must be relieved, and steroids may be required in its treatment. Seventeen patients diagnosed as having RPF are reviewed, and current views on its diagnosis and treatment are discussed.