To review the imaging characteristics and the most important differential diagnosis of peritoneal fluid collections, peritoneal tumors and tumorlike lesions.

The peritoneum is a serosal membrane of mesodermal origin that covers the surface of peritoneal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and partially or completely covers the visceral organs contained within the peritoneal cavity (visceral peritoneum). The potential space between these two layers is the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneum is composed of a layer of mesothelium supported by a thin layer of connective tissue. It minimizes friction, serves as a site of fluid transport and has a role in local bacterial defense. The peritoneal cavity contains a thin...

This pictorial review illustrates the imaging findings of multiple cases of peritoneal disease of our Department. Lymphangioma Cystic linfangioma is considered to be a benign cystic tumor due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. 90% occur in the neck and axila while 5% are reported to occur in the mesentery, abdominal viscera, retroperitoneum, lung and mediastinum (5). However, they are the most common tumors of the mesentery. At CT cystic lymphagioma typically appears as a thin walled, multiloculated cystic mass, with attenuating values...

Knowledge of the spectrum of imaging findings of peritoneal pathologic processes is important so they can be correctly included in the differential diagnosis of peritoneal fluid collections, primary peritoneal tumors, secondary peritoneal tumors and tumorlike lesions.

Tirkes T, Sandrasegran K, Patel A, et al. Peritoneal and Retroperitoneal Anatomy and Its Relevance for Cross-Sectional Imaging. Radiographics 2012; 32: 437-451. Prokop M,Galanski M, et al. Spiral and Multislice Computed Tomography of the Body. 2003. Thieme. Levy A, Arnáiz J, Shaw J et al. Primary Peritoneal Tumors: Imaging Features with Pathologic Correlation. Radiographics 2008;28:583-607. Levy A, Shaw J, Sobin L. Secondary Tumors and Tumorlike Lesions of the Peritoneal Cavity: Imaging Features with Pathologic Correlation. Radiographics 2009;29:347-373. Levy A, Cantisani V, Markku M. Abdominal Lymphagiomas:...