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Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in a patient with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: a case report
Seyhan Sozay1, Meral Bayramoglu, Metin Karatas
1Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1. Cadde 16 Sokak No:11, Bahçelievler, 06490 Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a rare rheumatologic disease with obscure pathogenesis. Its manifestations depend upon the structures involved. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is usually seen in male patients over 45 years of age and characterized by new bone formation at the entheses. The dorsal spine is most commonly involved, but radiographic findings in both the spine and extraspinal structures suggest a generalized disorder of ossification rather than a localized spinal disease. The association of IRF and DISH has not been reported before. There is proliferation of connective tissue in both of these diseases, and they may share a common etiopathogenetic basis. We describe a patient having features of both IRF and DISH.
Insights
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) are rare conditions. This report details a unique patient case exhibiting features of both IRF and DISH, suggesting a potential shared underlying cause.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
- Pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases
Background:
- Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a rare rheumatologic condition with unknown causes, presenting varied symptoms based on affected structures.
- Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common condition in men over 45, marked by new bone formation, primarily in the spine, indicating a generalized ossification disorder.
Observation:
- The case study describes a patient presenting with clinical and radiographic evidence of both IRF and DISH.
- This co-occurrence has not been previously documented in medical literature.
Findings:
- Both IRF and DISH involve connective tissue proliferation.
- The shared feature of connective tissue proliferation suggests a potential common etiopathogenetic basis for these two distinct conditions.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential link between IRF and DISH, prompting further investigation into their shared mechanisms.
- Understanding this association may lead to new diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for patients with either condition.
- Further research is warranted to explore the shared etiopathogenesis and clinical implications of co-occurring IRF and DISH.
