A Case of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome Developed Ileus due to Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection

Isao Matsumoto, Ichiro Takahashi, Makoto Shinagawa, Masayuki Yoshida, Shiro Yamazaki, Fumika Hanatate

Department of Surgery, Komatsu Municipal Hospital

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis symdrome (FHCS) is characterized by perihepatitis due to infection of Chlamydia or Gonococcus. We experienced an interesting case of FHCS which became ileus and required surgery. A 21-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of pain from the right epigastric resion to the umbilical resion, and vomiting. Clear intestinal dilatation and niveau formation were recognized on the abdominal X-ray, so she was diagnosed as having ileus. In spite of insertion of an ileus tube, the symptoms remained, so surgery was carried out. The laparoscope showed many violin-string type fibrous cords between the surface of the liver, the intestine, the omentum and the abdominal wall. This fibrous cord was wrapped around the ileum and hindered passage. The uterus and ovarium turned red. From the surgical findings and the presence of serous Chlamydia trachomatis antibody, she was diagnosed as having FHCS due to Chlamydia trachomatis infection, with ileus. Recently, Chlamydia infection as a venereal disease has been on the increase, and tests for FHCS should be administered to sexually active females who show right epigastralgia as in the above example.

Key words
ileus, chlamydia trachomatis infection, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome

Reprint requests
Isao Matsumoto Department of Surgery, Komatsu Municipal Hospital
60 Mukaimotoori-machi Komatsu, 923-8560 JAPAN

Accepted
September 16, 1998

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