Retroperitoneal fibrosis features include which statement?

Retroperitoneal fibrosis features include which statement?

• A. Obstruction of the biliary tract
• B. Acute pancreatitis
• C. Enlargement of lymph nodes around the aorta
• D. Overgrowth of fibrous tissue around an atherosclerotic aorta

Answer: (D)

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a fibrous, inflammatory process that develops in the retroperitoneum and commonly envelops the aorta and ureters. The defining feature is the overgrowth of fibrous tissue around the aorta, often seen with atherosclerotic changes, creating a periaortic fibrous mantle that can compress the ureters and lead to obstruction. Other options describe problems outside this fibrotic retroperitoneal process—biliary obstruction involves the bile ducts, pancreatitis affects the pancreas, and enlarged lymph nodes around the aorta suggest nodal disease rather than fibrous encasement.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a fibrous, inflammatory process that develops in the retroperitoneum and commonly envelops the aorta and ureters. The defining feature is the overgrowth of fibrous tissue around the aorta, often seen with atherosclerotic changes, creating a periaortic fibrous mantle that can compress the ureters and lead to obstruction. Other options describe problems outside this fibrotic retroperitoneal process—biliary obstruction involves the bile ducts, pancreatitis affects the pancreas, and enlarged lymph nodes around the aorta suggest nodal disease rather than fibrous encasement.