R López Grove1, A Heredia Martínez2, M Aineseder3, J A de Paula4, J A Ocantos3. 1. Servicio de Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Electronic address: roy.lopez@hospitalitaliano.org.ar. 2. Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 3. Servicio de Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. 4. Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the most characteristic imaging findings for sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, with an emphasis on the computed tomography findings. CONCLUSION: The incidence of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is low. The pathophysiology of this condition is unclear. Two types are recognized: idiopathic and secondary; the secondary type is generally a complication of peritoneal dialysis. Its nonspecific clinical presentation and the absence of blood markers mean that sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is usually diagnosed late. Thus, it is important to know the imaging signs; these include thickening and calcification of the peritoneum and dilation of bowel loops with thickening and calcification of bowel walls, whether in isolation or in association with loculated ascites. Although ultrasonography allows the complexity of the collections to be evaluated, computed tomography is the most useful technique for the general assessment of the signs mentioned above.
OBJECTIVES: To describe the most characteristic imaging findings for sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, with an emphasis on the computed tomography findings. CONCLUSION: The incidence of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is low. The pathophysiology of this condition is unclear. Two types are recognized: idiopathic and secondary; the secondary type is generally a complication of peritoneal dialysis. Its nonspecific clinical presentation and the absence of blood markers mean that sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is usually diagnosed late. Thus, it is important to know the imaging signs; these include thickening and calcification of the peritoneum and dilation of bowel loops with thickening and calcification of bowel walls, whether in isolation or in association with loculated ascites. Although ultrasonography allows the complexity of the collections to be evaluated, computed tomography is the most useful technique for the general assessment of the signs mentioned above.