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$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.