$Unique_ID{BRK03744} $Pretitle{} $Title{Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome} $Subject{Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome Perihepatitis Syndrome Gonococcal Perihepatitis Cholangitis Primary Sclerosing Cholecystitis Pancreatitis Hepatitis} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 945: Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible that the main title of the article (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Perihepatitis Syndrome Gonococcal Perihepatitis Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Cholangitis, Primary Sclerosing Cholecystitis Pancreatitis Hepatitis General Discussion **REMINDER ** The Information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome is a rare disorder that develops in females as a result of complications of pelvic inflammatory disease. The disorder is characterized by string-like scar tissue (adhesions) that attaches between the liver and other sites in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Symptoms can mimic those of hepatitis. Severe pain in the upper right area of the abdomen is usually present. Infection occurs, caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Symptoms Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome is characterized by the onset of sudden, severe pain in the upper right area of the abdomen which can often be confused with the development of hepatitis. Sexually active women who are infected with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria are the persons who develop the disorder. Scar tissue develops between the abdominal wall and the liver which causes severe right-side pain. Other symptoms include fever, liver tenderness and dysfunction, and blood irregularities. Causes Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome is caused by infection with the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It occurs in sexually active women and is usually associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. Other causes for severe right-sided pain must be ruled out in order to diagnose this disease. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infectious disease. Affected Population Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome is a rare disorder that affects females who are infected with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Women of any age group in any country around the world are at risk of contracting this disorder. Related Disorders Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Fitz-Hugh- Curtis Syndrome. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is a rare collagen disorder involving inflammation and blockage of the bile duct, liver ducts and gallbladder. Episodes of pain and discomfort in the right upper section of the abdomen may gradually become prolonged. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder. It is usually caused by gallstones. It is characterized by abdominal pain which can be chronic or acute. Chills, nausea, and vomiting may also occur. Pain may be felt in the chest, shoulder and back usually on the right side of the body. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Cholecystitis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas associated with a buildup of digestive enzymes. The pancreas produces these enzymes to help break down carbohydrates and proteins during digestion. This disorder is characterized by nausea and vomiting, fever, chills, and severe abdominal right-sided pain. Hepatitis is usually a viral infection of the liver. There are several types of Hepatitis which generally cause fever, cough, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin). Swelling of the spleen and liver may also appear. Usually the area surrounding the liver is tender. The disorder can be spread through fecal-oral contact, especially in geographic areas where personal hygiene is poor (for more information on this disorder, choose "Hepatitis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Therapies: Standard Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome is diagnosed through the use of ultrasound or a scope placed into the abdominal cavity through a small incision (laparoscopy) The Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria is identified through laboratory tests. The results of testing can confirm whether or not the woman has Fitz-Hugh- Curtis Syndrome or another disorder. Tetracyclines, ofloxacin, and other antibiotic medications are prescribed to treat the disorder. Surgery to remove the string-like scar tissue may also be necessary. Therapies: Investigational An investigational therapy for the infection associated with of Fitz-Hugh- Curtis Syndrome is the drug azithromycin. This antibiotic treatment is given in a single dose. More research is necessary to determine the long term safety and effectiveness of this drug for the treatment of Chlamydial trachomatis infections. This disease entry is based upon medical information available through June 1993. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812 (203) 746-6518 NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-5717 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1600 Clifton Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30333 (404) 639-3534 American Social Health Association 100 Capitola Dr., Suite 200 Research Triangle Park, NC 27713 (919) 361-8400 National Sexually Transmitted Diseases hotline (800) 227-8922 Council on Sex Information and Education 444 Lincoln Blvd., Suite 107 Venice, CA 90291 References CECIL TEXTBOOK OF MEDICINE, 19th Ed.: James B. Wyngaarden, and Lloyd H. Smith, Jr., Editors; W.B. Saunders Co., 1990. Pp. 834, 1708. LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF PAINFUL PERIHEPATIC ADHESIONS IN FITZ-HUGH- CURTIS SYNDROME., S. Owens, et al.; Obstet Gynecol, September, 1991, (issue 78 (3 pt 2)). Pp. 542-543. AN ATYPICAL PRESENTATION OF THE FITZ-HUGH-CURTIS SYNDROME. M. McCormick, et al.; J Emerg Med, January-February, 1990, (issue 8 (1)). Pp. 55-58.