Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, also known as perihepatitis, is a complication that arises from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and primarily affects women. Although rare, a few cases of this syndrome have been reported in men as well. The main culprits behind Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome are often bacterial infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. In the 1930s, Thomas Fitz-Hugh and Arthur Curtis made a significant observation, linking right upper quadrant pain to a distinct pattern of adhesions resembling violin strings. These adhesions typically form between abdominal tissues and organs in women who have a history of fallopian tube inflammation and pelvic infection.
Symptoms of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome presents with several distinct symptoms. The most prominent and easily recognizable symptom is a sudden and intense pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. This pain tends to worsen with movement and may even radiate to the right shoulder or arm.
Alongside the abdominal pain, individuals with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome commonly experience fever, chills, headaches, and a general feeling of malaise. Nausea and vomiting are also prevalent symptoms. Interestingly, hiccups, an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm, can also be an unusual yet identifiable symptom of this syndrome, catching many individuals off guard.
Key Characteristics
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is caused by inflammation of the membrane lining the stomach and the tissues surrounding the liver. It falls under the category of peritonitis, which refers to the inflammation of the peritoneum – the membrane that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers the internal organs. Additionally, this syndrome can also lead to infection and inflammation of the diaphragm muscle, which separates the stomach and chest. One distinguishing feature of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is the presence of adhesions in a violin-string pattern between the liver and the abdominal wall or diaphragm. These unique adhesions are not observed in other types of peritonitis.