[Retroperitoneal fibrosis and portal hypertension]

A patient is described in whom retroperitoneal fibrosis manifested itself by bleeding from ruptured varices and pain in the left flank and lumbar region. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by axial computerized tomography and MRI, while the histology from a mesenteric biopsy taken during splenectomy was considered insufficiently consistent with the diagnosis of retroperitoneal fibrosis. Treatment with prednisone resulted in relief of lumbar and flank pain a well as in prevention of further digestive tract hemorrhage. A review of the literature since 1966 shows 16 articles describing the association of retroperitoneal fibrosis and portal hypertension manifesting itself by hemorrhage from bleeding varices.