Medicai treatment of both idiopathic and secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) aims at stopping the inflammatory process in the early stage of the disease. Glucocorticoids and non-steroidal antiestrogen drugs are used. Methylprednisolone, the most commonly used glucocorticoid, is successfully employed with different therapeutic protocols. Although based on a few cases, results of treatment with tamoxifen are also satisfactory. The authors report 25 cases of RPF, idiopathic in 14 and secondary in 11. Twelve patients underwent medical therapy, corticosteroids being used in 10 and tamoxifen in 2. All patients recovered from the fibrotic disease. Only 1 patient stopped steroid therapy due to worsening diabetes. Easy administration and the lack of side effects make tamoxifen a valid alternative to corticosteroids.
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