Intraperitoneal carcinomatosis: incidence of its radiographic findings and description of a new sign.

Forty documented cases of intraperitoneal carcinomatosis were studied to examine the incidence of common consistently useful radiographic signs. Twenty-four (60%) were radiographically positive. Ten of 19 barium enema examinations (53%) revealed metastatic implant(s) on the colon. This proved to be the most common finding of intraperitoneal carcinomatosis. Other radiographic findings included ascites in 14 patients (35%) and small bowel obstruction in five (13%). A new sign of intraperitoneal carcinomatosis termed "fixed colon" sign is discussed. Seven of 19 cases (37%) with lower GI series demonstrated this sign. Barium enema examination has a high yield in demonstrating intraperitoneal carcinomatosis.