A case of retroperitoneal fibrosis secondary to chronic periaortitis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare inflammatory disorder causing increased fibrotic deposition in the retroperitoneum, often leading to ureteral obstruction. We present a case report of a 33-year-old male with 2-month history of back pain. Initial imaging showed thickening around the infrarenal aorta. Six months later the patient presented with renal failure; a CT abdomen revealed extensive soft tissue mass around the aorta resulting in ureteral obstruction. Histology results of biopsy of the soft tissue mass revealed retroperitoneal fibrosis. It is important for clinicians to treat periaortitis early as this can prevent progression to retroperitoneal fibrosis which can cause severe secondary complications such as renal failure from ureteral obstruction.