[New (and old) aspects of retroperitoneal fibrosis]

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disease of the rear abdomen and it is commonly associated with the complication of uni- or bilateral hydronephrosis. Despite the rarity of this disease, multiple publications concerning etiology, diagnosis, therapy monitoring and both medical and surgical therapy have been published in recent years. Recent research has focused on asbestos exposure as a possible risk factor, the meaning of IgG4-associated RPF, measuring disease activity using different radiological and nuclear medicine procedures, and new approaches to medical therapy. Goals of treatment were characterized as the correct diagnosis, preservation of renal function and freedom from stents, steroids and pain. On the basis of these goals, the most important insights and developments of the last 5 years regarding RPF are presented.