Thinking beyond Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Imaging Spectrum of Unusual Disseminated Peritoneal Entities

Abstract

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 conditions. Cross-sectional imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are excellent modalities for further characterization of these unusual diseases. For some of these conditions, imaging-specific diagnosis is achievable. For others, the diagnosis can be favored when clinical and/or cross-sectional imaging features coexist.