Peritoneal carcinomatosis computerized tomography scans findings and causes

Abstract EN

Objective: To study the causes and Computerized Tomography Scan findings in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Methods: A retrospective review of Computerized Tomography Scans in 26 patients with proven peritoneal carcinomatosis was conducted from 1997 to 2002.

In 22 patients, there was proven primary malignant tumor and patients presented for follow-up studies.

In four patients, the primary tumor was diagnosed at the time of presentation, looking for distribution of peritoneal thickening, ascitic fluid, and its extension.

Results: Diffuse peritoneal thickening and enhancement was seen in the scans of all patients.

Ascites was seen in 24 patients with extension to Douglas pouch in four patients.

The primary tumor responsible for peritoneal involvement was ovarian in 12 patients, colonic in eight, pancreatic in three, breast in one and unknown primary in two patients.

Conclusion: Peritoneal thickening, enhancement, and ascites are the commonest findings in peritoneal involvement by malignancy 'peritoneal carcinomatosis'.

Ovarian carcinoma followed by colonic are the commonest primary tumors to cause peritoneal carcinomatosis.

The Computerized Tomography Scan is the imaging modality of choice to show the changes in peritoneal carcinomatosis.