Retroperitoneal fibrosis: a rare disease for frontline clinicians

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare cause of renal dysfunction, typically presenting with obstructive uropathy (sometimes with extra-renal manifestations). Given its insidious and subtle presentation, reaching the diagnosis can be challenging. We report the case of a 65-year-old female presenting with a 6-month history of unexplained constitutional symptoms, weight loss and mild renal impairment. Abdominal imaging revealed bilateral ureteric obstruction due to retroperitoneal fibrosis and so she underwent urgent ureteric stent insertion.