Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a case study of a frequently missed diagnosis

Abstract Introduction Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is a relatively common complication of pelvic inflammatory disease. However, this diagnosis is frequently overlooked due to its nonspecific symptomatology that often mimics hepatobiliary disorders. This report presents a case of FHCS and offers...

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Main Authors: Zephania D. P. Gega, Henry I. Lyimo, Daniel W. Kitua, Ally H. Mwanga
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Rare Diseases
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44162-024-00063-w
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author Zephania D. P. Gega
Henry I. Lyimo
Daniel W. Kitua
Ally H. Mwanga
author_facet Zephania D. P. Gega
Henry I. Lyimo
Daniel W. Kitua
Ally H. Mwanga
author_sort Zephania D. P. Gega
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is a relatively common complication of pelvic inflammatory disease. However, this diagnosis is frequently overlooked due to its nonspecific symptomatology that often mimics hepatobiliary disorders. This report presents a case of FHCS and offers a review of pertinent clinical considerations. Case We describe a case of a 33-year-old sexually active female previously treated for vaginal discharge syndrome, who presented to our facility with worsening right upper quadrant pain. Initial laboratory and imaging findings were inconclusive. However, diagnostic laparoscopy revealed perihepatic “violin string” adhesions consistent with FHCS. Conclusion This case underscores the importance of considering FHCS in the differential diagnosis of right upper quadrant pain, especially in individuals with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease. Awareness of this syndrome and its clinical manifestations is crucial for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.
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spelling doaj-art-0bf1244226394e2686517dc8cd0d9f102025-01-05T12:49:54ZengSpringerJournal of Rare Diseases2731-085X2025-01-01411410.1007/s44162-024-00063-wFitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a case study of a frequently missed diagnosisZephania D. P. Gega0Henry I. Lyimo1Daniel W. Kitua2Ally H. Mwanga3Department of Surgery, Ocean Road Cancer InstituteDepartment of Surgery, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDepartment of Surgery, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDepartment of Surgery, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesAbstract Introduction Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is a relatively common complication of pelvic inflammatory disease. However, this diagnosis is frequently overlooked due to its nonspecific symptomatology that often mimics hepatobiliary disorders. This report presents a case of FHCS and offers a review of pertinent clinical considerations. Case We describe a case of a 33-year-old sexually active female previously treated for vaginal discharge syndrome, who presented to our facility with worsening right upper quadrant pain. Initial laboratory and imaging findings were inconclusive. However, diagnostic laparoscopy revealed perihepatic “violin string” adhesions consistent with FHCS. Conclusion This case underscores the importance of considering FHCS in the differential diagnosis of right upper quadrant pain, especially in individuals with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease. Awareness of this syndrome and its clinical manifestations is crucial for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44162-024-00063-wDiagnostic laparoscopyFitz-Hugh-Curtis syndromePelvic inflammatory diseasesViolin string adhesions
spellingShingle Zephania D. P. Gega
Henry I. Lyimo
Daniel W. Kitua
Ally H. Mwanga
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a case study of a frequently missed diagnosis
Journal of Rare Diseases
Diagnostic laparoscopy
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome
Pelvic inflammatory diseases
Violin string adhesions
title Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a case study of a frequently missed diagnosis
title_full Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a case study of a frequently missed diagnosis
title_fullStr Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a case study of a frequently missed diagnosis
title_full_unstemmed Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a case study of a frequently missed diagnosis
title_short Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a case study of a frequently missed diagnosis
title_sort fitz hugh curtis syndrome a case study of a frequently missed diagnosis
topic Diagnostic laparoscopy
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome
Pelvic inflammatory diseases
Violin string adhesions
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44162-024-00063-w
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AT danielwkitua fitzhughcurtissyndromeacasestudyofafrequentlymisseddiagnosis
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