Diagnosis of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome by ultrasound.
Chlamydiae are often responsible for the development of perihepatitis and/or diffuse peritonitis after salpingitis in sexually active women, the so-called Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHC). The definitive diagnosis can be made by direct culture, serological evidence and laparoscopy/laparotomy. Violin-string adhesions between the liver surface and the abdominal wall can be seen. Two patients are described in whom the diagnosis was made by ultrasound: the violin strings and ascites were clearly seen. Serological and operative evidence verified the diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
ultrasound may become an extra tool to diagnose the FHC-syndrome in an early and non-invasive way.
van Dongen
P W
PW
University Hospital Nijmegen St. Radboud, Department of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, The Netherlands.
D000328:Adult; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D005260:Female; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D012488:Salpingitis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography