Case Report

J Rheum Dis 2015; 22(6): 391-394

Published online December 31, 2015

© Korean College of Rheumatology

Retroperitoneal Fibrosis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Yoo-Jeong Oh, Won-Seok Lee, Mi-Hee Kang, Joo-Hee Hwang, Wan-Hee Yoo

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea

Correspondence to : Wan-Hee Yoo

Received: February 2, 2015; Revised: March 23, 2015; Accepted: March 24, 2015

Abstract

A 54-year-old male diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was effectively treated with methotrexate and adalimumab. He was admitted with fatigue and right lower back pain which had persisted for 1 month. An enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan showed an ill-defined mass with soft tissue attenuation surrounding the right common iliac artery involving the right middle portion of the ureter. Laparoscopic ureterolysis and biopsy were performed. Microscopic evaluation confirmed the presence of fibroblastic proliferation, with a pleomorphic inflammatory cell infiltrate consisting predominantly of lymphocytes, macrophages, and vascular endothelial cells, without granuloma or neoplastic cells. Therefore, our diagnosis was retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF)-associated RA. Clinicians should consider the possibility of RPF in patients with RA who experience lower back pain, abdominal pain, or dysuria, and order suitable imaging studies. (J Rheum Dis 2015;22:391-394)

Keywords Retroperitoneal fibrosis, Rheumatoid arthritis

Article

Case Report

J Rheum Dis 2015; 22(6): 391-394

Published online December 31, 2015

Copyright © Korean College of Rheumatology.

Retroperitoneal Fibrosis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Yoo-Jeong Oh, Won-Seok Lee, Mi-Hee Kang, Joo-Hee Hwang, Wan-Hee Yoo

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea

Correspondence to:Wan-Hee Yoo

Received: February 2, 2015; Revised: March 23, 2015; Accepted: March 24, 2015

Abstract

A 54-year-old male diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was effectively treated with methotrexate and adalimumab. He was admitted with fatigue and right lower back pain which had persisted for 1 month. An enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan showed an ill-defined mass with soft tissue attenuation surrounding the right common iliac artery involving the right middle portion of the ureter. Laparoscopic ureterolysis and biopsy were performed. Microscopic evaluation confirmed the presence of fibroblastic proliferation, with a pleomorphic inflammatory cell infiltrate consisting predominantly of lymphocytes, macrophages, and vascular endothelial cells, without granuloma or neoplastic cells. Therefore, our diagnosis was retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF)-associated RA. Clinicians should consider the possibility of RPF in patients with RA who experience lower back pain, abdominal pain, or dysuria, and order suitable imaging studies. (J Rheum Dis 2015;22:391-394)

Keywords: Retroperitoneal fibrosis, Rheumatoid arthritis

JRD
Jan 01, 2025 Vol.32 No.1, pp. 1~7
COVER PICTURE
Cumulative growth of rheumatology members and specialists (1980~2024). Cumulative distribution of the number of the (A) Korean College of Rheumatology members and (B) rheumatology specialists. (J Rheum Dis 2025;32:63-65)

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