Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is a rare complication of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Named after two physicians, Fitz-Hugh and Curtis who first reported this condition.

Usually caused by gonorrhoea (acute gonococcal perihepatitis) or chlamydia organisms, this occurs when these bacteria travel up the peritoneum to the upper abdomen and cause inflammation there.

The signs are an acute onset, upper right-quadrant abdominal pain and tenderness aggravated by breathing, coughing or movement, and referred to the right shoulder following an episode of PID. Laparoscopy may reveal "violin string" adhesions.

Treatment involves diagnosing and treating the underlying cause correctly. The adhesions can be cut laparoscopically.