Retroperitoneal Fibrosis Treated with Methylprednisolon Pulse and Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs

Abstract

The conventional treatment of patients with ureteric obstruction due to retroperitoneal fibrosis (RF) is surgery in combination with long-term corticosteroids. This report describes 11 cases of RF with ureteric obstruction treated with methylprednisolon pulse therapy (MPPT) in combination with azathioprine or penicillamine following initial insertion of ureteral stents. The medical treatment suggested was successful in 7 patients, but only moderately effective in the last 4 patients. This principle of non-operative management of RF has not been previously reported.

Key words:

• retroperitoneal fibrosis
• medical treatment
• methylprednisolon pulse therapy
• diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs therapy