CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH FITZ-HUGH-CURTIS SYNDROME: A REPORT IN VIETNAM AND A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To review the characteristics in a series of clinical cases of patients with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis (FHC) syndrome and to review the literature. Research Subjects and Methods: Descriptive Study, Report on Clinical Case Series, and Literature Review. The study involved 3 clinical cases with FHC. Results: The 3 clinical cases of FHC shared common characteristics of a silent disease progression. Patients sought medical attention due to abdominal pain (epigastric pain, right lower rib pain, and right iliac fossa pain). Atypical infection and inflammation syndromes were present with no fever, slight or no increase in white blood cell count, and a slight increase in CRP. Symptoms of vomiting and bowel disturbances were not pronounced. The characteristic symptom of the patient's discharge is very distinct, which is thin, white vaginal discharge, and when using a duckbill speculum, it can be seen flowing from the cervical os. Abdominal ultrasound, if thoroughly examined, could detect the condition. Computed tomography (CT) imaging with intravenous contrast injection was highly valuable for definitive diagnosis. Early detection, specific antibiotic treatment following a protocol, and early multidrug therapy resulted in effective treatment outcomes, reduced hospitalization time, and decreased risk of complications. Conclusion: FHC syndrome can occur not only in patients seeking gynecological care but can also be encountered in various clinical settings in internal medicine and surgery specialties. Atypical infection and inflammation syndromes with vaginal discharge are very characteristic. Abdominal CT with contrast injection is valuable for diagnosis. The disease can be effectively treated in internal medicine with specific antibiotics and multidrug therapy.