A case of ureteric obstruction, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and carcinoid tumour

We report the incidental finding at surgery for retroperitoneal fibrosis of a carcinoid tumour causing complete right ureteric obstruction. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is an uncommon inflammatory disease that leads to extensive fibrosis throughout the retroperitoneum. It can occur at any age, peak incidence being in patients between 40 and 60 years of age. Carcinoid tumours arise from enterochromaffin or amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation cells that occur in gastrointestinal tract. Carcinoid tumours are an uncommon clinical entity and incidence varies with gender and age. No association between retroperitoneal fibrosis and carcinoid tumour has been previously reported in the English literature, although one case has been reported in a French journal.