Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome, or perihepatitis, was first described by Carlos Stajano in 1920, who found adhesions between the liver capsule and the abdominal wall in patients suffering from gonococcal infections.

It is important for practitioners to perform a thorough history and physical as the differential for the symptoms of Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome include cholecystitis, appendicitis, hepatitis, pregnancy, pyelonephritis, renal colic, pleuritic causes such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and pleurisy, among many others.

Chest and abdominal radiographs may be indicated to rule out pulmonary pathologies and to assess for free air under the diaphragm in the case of intestinal perforation.

Abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds are critical to rule out common causes of RUQ pain such as cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and abdominal/pelvic abscesses.

In cases of Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome, the CT scan may show increased blood flow to the liver capsule secondary to the inflammation.

The gold standard for diagnosis of Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome, though rarely required, is laparoscopy with direct visualization of the characteristic "violin string adhesions" along with liver capsule scarring and inflammation.

Complications of the disease include infertility, small bowel obstruction due to adhesions, chronic pelvic pain, recurrent salpingitis, and ectopic pregnancy.