Thinking beyond peritoneal carcinomatosis: imaging spectrum of unusual disseminated peritoneal entities.

Although peritoneal carcinomatosis is the most common entity involving the peritoneum diffusely, a vast array of unusual diseases may affect the peritoneal surfaces. These entities can be further categorized into infectious, neoplastic, and miscellaneous, and miscellaneous conditions. Cross-sectional imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are excellent modalities for further characterization of these unusual diseases. For some of the conditions, imaging-specific is achievable. For others, the diagnosis can be favored when clinical and/or cross-sectional features coexist. 2011 Canadian Association of Radiologists. All rights reserved.