Letter to the Editor

Retroperitoneal Fibrosis as a Long-term Complication of Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Authors: Ranjeeta Mani, MD, Ashutosh Niraj, MD, MS, Radhika Sreedhar, MD, MS

Abstract

To the Editor:


A 70-year-old gentlemen presented with a six week history of abdominal pain associated with generalized weakness and anorexia. The patient reported insidious onset, 5 to 6/10 aching, and mid-abdominal pain which was aggravated in the supine position with no relation to food. Past medical history included a 30-pack year history of smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Careful questioning revealed that six years prior, the patient had completed eight weeks of radiotherapy for carcinoma of the prostate. Physical examination revealed poorly localized lower quadrant abdominal tenderness, but there were no masses or organomegaly.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Vaglio A, Salvarani C, Buzio C. Retroperitoneal fibrosis. Lancet 2006;367:241–251.
 
2. Shental JS, Sudarsky M. Intubated ureterotomy for ureteral obstruction following radiotherapy and radical hysterectomy. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1993;27:135–137.
 
3. Debled G, Mercier G. Pelvic retroperitoneal sclerosis caused by radiation therapy for a uterine fibroma. Acta Urol Belg 1978;46:23–31.
 
4. Lukka H, Warde P, Pickles T, et al. Controversies in prostate cancer radiotherapy: consensus development. Can J Urol 2001;8:1314–1322.
 
5. Jacobs JA, Rosenthal RS, Shaw JL. Localized ureteral fibrosis: an unrecognized complication of radiation therapy for prostatic carcinoma. J Urol 1976;115:610–611.