National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome

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How long does it take for pelvic inflammatory disease to develop into Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome?  How can Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome be treated?  If it is left untreated, what kind of long-term problems will the patient have?

The following information may help to address your question:


How long does it take pelvic inflammatory disease to develop into Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome?

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) develops in up to one fourth of individuals of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).  However, it is not yet known exactly how or why PID progresses to FHCS.[1]  The time it takes for PID to develop into FHCS is also unknown.
Last updated: 3/25/2013

How might Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome be treated?

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is treated with antibiotics, given by intravenous (IV) injection or as medication taken by mouth.  The specific antibiotic medication is determined by the type of underlying infection; that is, treatment depends on whether the infection is chlamydia or gonorrhea.  If pain continues after treatment with antibiotics, surgery (laparoscopy) may be done to remove bands of tissue (adhesions) that connect the liver to the abdominal wall and cause pain in individuals with FHCS.[1][2]
Last updated: 3/26/2013

If left untreated, what symptoms does Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome cause?

Because Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is usually cured with antibiotics, long-term effects of this disease are uncommon.  Rare long-term complications are thought to be related to pelvic inflammatory disease rather than FHCS and may include persistent pain, bowel obstruction, or infertility.[1]
Last updated: 3/26/2013

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

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  1. Peter NG, Clark LR, Jaeger JR. Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: a diagnosis to consider in women with right upper quadrant pain. Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine. 2004; 71:233-239. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15055246/. Accessed 3/22/2013.
  2. Theofanakis CP, Kyriakidis AV. Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome. Gynecological surgery. 2011; 8:129-134. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10397-010-0642-8?LI=true#. Accessed 3/22/2013.