Spontaneous remission in a case of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis

A 54-year-old lady being investigated at the medical clinic for back pain and weight loss, was diagnosed with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis on the basis of CT imaging, biopsy findings and absence of known secondary causes. After lengthy discussions with the patient during several clinic visits she declined the use of corticosteroid treatment due to concerns for the potential side effects. Serial monitoring of inflammatory markers and interval imaging suggested a spontaneous remission in the inflammatory process. We describe the case and discuss the management of retroperitoneal fibrosis.