Analysis of Interleukin 2 Receptor IL-2R and Type III Procollagen-N-peptide P-III-P in a Case of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

A case of retroperitoneal fibrosis is described along with serological findings during the therapeutic course. An 81-year-old man with diabetes mellitus treated by insulin therapy was admitted because of bilateral pretibial edema. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated tumorous lesions around the abdominal aorta and the hilum of the spleen. Open biopsy specimens showed excessive production of fibrous tissue and chronic inflammatory cells. We therefore diagnosed this case as retroperitoneal fibrosis and administered prednisolone. Serological abnormalities included the elevation of C-reactive protein, interleukin 2 receptor IL-2R and type III procollagen-N-peptide P-III-P before the start of therapy. These levels improved simultaneously with the reduction of the tumorous lesions around the abdominal aorta and the hilum of the spleen. We considered IL-2R to be a marker indicating activation of retroperitoneal fibrosis, and P-III-P demonstrated the excessive production of collagen fibers in this disease.