What is idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis?
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is an inflammatory condition characterised by the formation of tough fibrous tissue (fibrosis) on the tissues and organs behind the peritoneum — the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. The word ‘idiopathic’ means of unknown cause. These so-called ‘retroperitoneal’ organs include some of the muscles of the back, the aorta and inferior vena cava (large blood vessels taking blood from and to the heart), and the kidneys and ureters (tubes draining urine from the kidneys to the bladder). In severe cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis, one or both ureters may become blocked. This could lead to kidney failure. Although the exact cause is unknown, doctors suspect that an autoimmune response — in which the body attacks its own tissue — may be involved. The immune system probably attacks fatty material that leaks from the aorta when atherosclerosis occurs. Atherosclerosis is the build up of fatty deposits in the inner wall of an artery. This explains why th
