Retroperitoneal Fibrosis—Two Unusual Cases

In 1948 Ormond described a syndrome of progressive retroperitoneal fibrosis which engulfed the ureters, leading to compression and eventful anuria. Since then other clinicians have written of their experience with this pathologic entity. Most of the reported cases have had ureteral involvement. A few patients have presented with intermittent claudication secondary to vascular compression by the fibrotic process.

Report of Cases  We are presenting two unusual cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis—one without ureteral involvement and the other without pain or weight loss.

Case 1.  —This 51-year-old Negro male patient was well until six-seven months prior to admission when he began to experience progressive constipation and marked pain in the left flank and low back during defecation. There was mucous but no blood in his stools. He was extremely anorexic but had experienced no vomiting. He had lost 55-60 lb (24.9-27.2 kg) during this illness. There were no urinary symptoms and he