Chlamydia trachomatis-induced Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome: a case report. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ekabe, Cyril; Kehbila, Jules; Njim, Tsi; Kadia, Benjamin; Tendonge, Celestine; Monekosso, Gottlieb
• Is Part Of: BMC research notes. Volume 10:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Fitz Hugh–Curtis syndrome -- Chlamydia trachomatis -- Resource-limited setting; Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-2357-z
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-0500

Abstract

Abstract Background Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome is defined as perihepatitis associated with pelvic inflammatory disease.Chlamydia trachomatis is one of its most common aetiologies. This syndrome usually presents with right upper quadrant abdominal pain mimicking other hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal pathologies, hence, posing a diagnostic dilemma in settings with limited diagnostic tools. Case report A 32 year old African female presented with acute right upper quadrant abdominal pain and vaginal discharge, for which she had previously received treatment in another health center with no improvement. Clinical and laboratory findings were suggestive of Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome. Five days after treatment with oral doxycycline, the patient showed marked clinical improvement. Conclusion Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome is a common cause of right upper quadrant pain which is often under diagnosed in poor communities. Hence, it should be included as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with right upper quadrant pain, especially in females of reproductive age.