A retrospective study of the possible association between retroperitoneal fibrosis and occupational asbestos (1332214) exposure was conducted, using hospital records for all cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis diagnosed in Tampere University Hospital, in Finland, for 1987 through 1995. There were 13 cases of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. Patients had surgery for ureteral obstruction, and ureterolysis was performed. Information on occupational history was obtained by questionnaire or interview for the ten living patients. All seven male patients showed exposure to asbestos in their occupational history, whereas generally only 5% of the total labor force in Finland has been so exposed. The asbestos exposure was confirmed by chest radiograph findings, which showed typical changes due to asbestos in four of the seven male patients exposed to asbestos, and an additional patient had a suggestive radiographic finding, unilateral plaque. The rate of bilateral plaques among the male patients was eight times more than that of the Finnish male population. The authors suggest that it may be possible for retroperitoneal fibrosis to be associated with asbestos exposure in the absence of radiographic pulmonary abnormalities. Three of the six female patients and one male patient had other risk factors for retroperitoneal fibrosis than asbestos exposure. The authors conclude that occupational exposure to asbestos may be an important etiological factor for retroperitoneal fibrosis. They encourage clinicians to take careful note of work histories when evaluating such patients, with special attention to asbestos exposure.

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