http://forums.obgyn.net/forums/womens-health/WHF.0001/0612.html
I am searching for an exact definition of this syndrome. I have looked in Tabers and other medical dictionaries; and have not been able to find anything. I am new to the web and am having difficulty finding anything here either. The only thing I have been able to find on it, is a picture of adhesions caused by (or is?) the syndrome.
I have recently discovered that I had been diagnosed with this syndrome over a year ago after having surgery for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. I also discovered from this same operative record that I was also diagnosed with chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
I was never told about either of these and am very concerned and confused. Could this syndrome also cause an elevated SGOT? I would greatly appreciate any information you may provide on this syndrome and on PID.
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2.) Re: FITZ-HUGH-CURTIS SYNDROME ... Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. http://forums.obgyn.net/forums/womens-health/WHF.0001/0620.html
Classic definition of FHC syndrome is perihepatic adhesions secondary to PID. Adhesions near and on the liver are frequently described as "violin string" adhesions - from an extension of pelvic inflammatory disease up the right side of the abdomen to the area around the liver. The original description of FHC syndrome from PID was related to gonorrhea; but we now know that chlamydia was probably the cause in most patients. It is sometimes spelled Fitz-Hugh-Curits.
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3.) Re: FITZ-HUGH-CURTIS SYNDROME ... D. Ashley Hill, M.D.
http://forums.obgyn.net/forums/womens-health/WHF.0001/0654.html
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is named after two doctors, Fitz-Hugh and Curtis. The "syndrome" designation is kind of a misnomer; because, in my experience, the majority of patients who have violin-string adhesions of the liver have no symptoms at all. Some, however, get pain when taking a deep breath; and I have had a couple of patients get mildly elevated liver function tests (like the SGOT you mentioned). If asymptomatic the adhesions do not need treatment. However, they will not go away on their own. Possible causes include infection like ruptured appendix, gonorrhea, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease from any source. About 75% of PID is from either gonorrhea or chlamydia; but 25% are from endogenous (from your body) bacteria. It sure sounds like somewhere in your past you developed a rip-roaring pelvic infection that damaged your tube(s) and caused liver adhesions. You will probably never know when that was; since it could have been your own bacteria, or chlamydia, that was accidentally treated with antibiotics for some other reason (like a cold or sinusitis). Regardless, if the adhesions are not bothering you, I would be reluctant to suggest any intervention.
There is a picture of this on my web page. Click on: http://home.cfl.rr.com/dahmd/fitzhughcurtis.html
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4.) Re: FITZ-HUGH-CURTIS SYNDROME ... Kathy
http://forums.obgyn.net/forums/womens-health/WHF.0001/0679.html
Thank you sooooo much DR.Hill. Your info has given me alot of answers and insights. Your info, however, did pose another question to me. When I had the ectopic and surgery a year ago, the operative report stated that my remaining ovary and tube where intact and without problems. Now, a year later, my remaining ovary is adhered to my bladder and is causing recurrent cysts, etc. It becomes painful at certain times during my cycle and has caused dysmenorrhea. Because of this and the fact that I am trying desperately to conceive again, I am having surgery for this soon by my Infertility specialist.
My question is: 1.) Since whatever I had was apparently treated at one point - and I now no longer have whatever it was that caused it - can I still continue to develop adhesions even after treatment? 2.) Or, could the adhesion of the remaining ovary be caused by surgery I had last year?? I again, would appreciate any info you may have.
I'm concerned and confused about what is continuing to cause these adhesions; and I need to know how I can stop them from doing any more damage. I sincerely appreciate you having taken the time to answer my previous questions; and would appreciate just as much your further help and knowledge.
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5.) Re: FITZ-HUGH-CURTIS SYNDROME ... D. Ashley Hill, M.D.
http://forums.obgyn.net/forums/womens-health/WHF.0001/0680.html
Either is possible; and you will never know which one was the culprit. If the pelvic organs are inflammed, it's possible for adhesions to occur at any time. There is nothing that we know of to prevent this. Sadly, the female pelvic organs have a propensity towards adhesion formation. While laparoscopic surgery can sometimes cause adhesions, this is less likely than adhesion formation from the illness itself.
I hope the surgery goes well and you end up with an uneventful pregnancy!