Analysis of Clinical Features of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome: A Retrospective Study

Background Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is a form of perihepatic inflammation, frequently associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), primarily affecting the liver capsule without significant involvement of hepatic parenchyma. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes of FHCS to provide diagnostic and therapeutic insights for clinicians. Methods This retrospective analysis reviewed the clinical data of 7 patients diagnosed with FHCS at the Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital between January 2021 and June 2024. The study summarized the patients' symptoms, signs, laboratory results, imaging findings, preliminary diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes. Results Among the 7 patients, 5 were females of reproductive age, and 2 were males. Six patients presented with acute abdominal pain, while one male remained asymptomatic. Abdominal enhanced CT confirmed the diagnosis of FHCS in all cases. Vaginal swabs from female patients identified Chlamydia trachomatis in 2 cases and Ureaplasma urealyticum in another 2. Treatment with a combination of cefmetazole, levofloxacin, doxycycline, and metronidazole for 1–2 weeks resulted in complete recovery in all patients. Conclusion FHCS should be considered in women of childbearing age, elderly individuals, and immune-compromised male patients presenting with right upper abdominal pain, potentially combined with right lower abdominal pain. Abdominal enhanced CT plays a crucial role in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of FHCS.