Superior aspect of the perirenal space: anatomy and pathological correlation.

To study the anatomy of the superior aspect of the perirenal space, we analysed 50 computed tomographic (CT) scans with reference to the anatomy of Gerota's fascia, and dissected five cadavers laying special emphasis on the ascent of Gerota's fascia. We also reviewed 10 scans of patients with a large lesion in the right upper abdomen regarding localisation of the lesion. We conclude that Gerota's fascia does not cover the upper portion of the kidney and adrenal gland so that the superior aspect of the perirenal space is open towards the upper abdominal extraperitoneal space. Thus, a large lesion arising from the right adrenal gland or kidney easily invaginates the liver through the bare area mimicking a hepatic lesion, and vice versa. This explains the difficulty in localising a large lesion in the right upper abdomen.