Diagnosis of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome by ultrasound

Chlamydiae are often responsible for the development of perihepatitis and/or diffuse peritonitis after salpingitis in sexually active women, the so-called Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHC). The definitive diagnosis can be made by direct culture, serological evidence and laparoscopy/laparotomy. Violin-string adhesions between the liver surface and the abdominal wall can be seen. Two patients are described in whom the diagnosis was made by ultrasound: the violin strings and ascites were clearly seen. Serological and operative evidence verified the diagnosis.

ultrasound may become an extra tool to diagnose the FHC-syndrome in an early and non-invasive way.