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Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Metastases, Diagnostic procedure, CT, Oncology, Abdomen
Authors:
A. Carvalho, P. Leitão, R. Correia, F. Rego Costa, A. S. R. Preto; Porto/PT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2015/C-0714
Background
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 flow of fluid and location of peritoneal diseases.
PERITONEAL CARCINOMATOSIS
Peritoneal carcinomatosis is the most common malignant process involving the peritoneum and usually heralds a poor prognosis.
Intraperitoneal propagation of malignant cells can occur via direct spread,
peritoneal seeding or hematogenous and lymphatic dissemination.
The most common sites of origin of malignant peritoneal seeding are the gastrointestinal tract (stomach,
colon and pancreas) and the ovary.
Computed tomography (CT) is the most frequently used modality to access for peritoneal metastases and its possible complications.