To review the basic anatomy of the peritoneum and the common pathways of disease spread through the peritoneal cavity. To review the imaging findings suggestive of peritoneal carcinomatosis in CT.

THE PERITONEUM The peritoneum, the largest serous membrane of the body, is composed of a single layer of mesothelial cells supported by connective tissue, which lines the inner surface of the abdominal cavity (parietal peritoneum) and envelopes the majority of the abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum). The peritoneal cavity refers to the potential space between these two layers. The peritoneum and its associated reflections, mesenteries and omenta support the intraperitoneal organs and subdivide the peritoneal cavity into spaces that communicate with each other and determine the...

ANATOMY: PERITONEAL SPACES The peritoneum consists of a single layer of mesothelial cells lining the abdominal and pelvic walls (the parietal peritoneum) and covering the external surface of most abdominal organs (the visceral peritoneum). The peritoneal cavity is the virtual space between these two layers. The compartmentalization of the peritoneum by its reflections and mesenteries commands the direction and flow of fluid within the abdominopelvic cavity. The two main peritoneal compartments - supramesocolic and inframesocolic - are separated by the transverse mesocolon (Fig. 1). THE...

Peritoneal carcinomatosiscan present with a multiplicity of imaging appearances at CT and its recognition is fundamental for the accurate staging of most gastrointestinal and gynecological malignancies. Understanding the basic anatomy of the peritoneal cavity and the spectrum of imaging findings of this entity may improve its correct diagnosis.

Department of Radiology Hospital de São João Centro Hospitalar de São João, EPE Porto, Portugal Head: Isabel Ramos, MD, PhD

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