Infectious syndrome. Perihepatic inflammation linked to a sexually transmitted infection, usually Chlamydia Trachomatis, rarely Neisseria Gonorrhei.

In fact, the infection is often asymptomatic but may be the cause of subsequent infertility. It affects mainly young women (15 to 25 years).

In case of ascending infection, inflammation of the parietal peritoneum and the anterior surface of the liver can occur, with multiple adhesions; salpingitis and pelvic inflammation may occur, but cases have been reported where the initial urogenital infection (vaginitis, cervicitis or urethritis in men) was asymptomatic.

Clinical picture: fever,  right hypochondrium pain (and right shoulder);  intraperitoneal and perihepatic effusion at abdominal echography.

Anesthetic implications: 

septic patient; keep it in mind in presence of atypical peritonitis.

References : 

-        Antonie F, Billiou C, Vic P. 
Syndrome de Fitz-Hugh-Curtis à Chlamydia Trachomatis chez une adolescente. 
Arch Pédiatr 2013 ; 20 : 289-91.

Updated: April 2019