Abstract
BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare fibro-inflammatory condition which can be classified into idiopathic (accounting for over 75%) and secondary types (due to malignancies, infections, medications, radiotherapy or other conditions). Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRPF) typically affects the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries along with the surrounding retroperitoneal area. This case review aims to summarize the imaging characteristics of IRPF arising from the peritoneal space. CASE SUMMARY: An abdominal mass was discovered in a 52-year-old man during a routine physical examination, he had not complained of abdominal pain, distension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and had no significant past medical or family history. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a soft tissue mass with poorly defined margins surrounding the duodenum, exhibiting slight to moderate high signal intensity on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Diffusion-weighted imaging with a β value of 800 mm²/second demonstrated slightly to moderate high signal intensity. Dynamic contrast enhanced images showed uneven enhancement on the arterial phase, with significant enhancement observed on the delayed phase. The mass infiltrated adjacent structures, including the head of the pancreas, the hepatic flexure of the colon, and part of the intestine, raising suspicion for malignant tumors such as sarcoma or lymphoma. However, surgery confirmed the diagnosis of IRPF. The patient underwent routine follow-up for one year, with no recurrence. CONCLUSION: IRPF is a rare condition that presents considerable diagnostic challenges when lesions arise from the peritoneal space. In cases where imaging findings are atypical, a further puncture biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.