Peritoneal and Retroperitoneal Anatomy and Its Relevance for Cross-Sectional Imaging

Abstract

It is difficult to identify normal peritoneal folds and ligaments at imaging. However, infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, and traumatic processes frequently involve the peritoneal cavity and its reflections; thus, it is important to identify the affected peritoneal ligaments and spaces. Knowledge of these structures is important for accurate reporting and helps elucidate the sites of involvement to the surgeon. The potential peritoneal spaces; the peritoneal reflections that form the peritoneal ligaments, mesenteries, and omenta; and the natural flow of peritoneal fluid determine the route of spread of intraperitoneal fluid and disease processes within the abdominal cavity. The peritoneal ligaments, mesenteries, and omenta also serve as boundaries for disease processes and as conduits for the spread of disease.

Detection and management of retroperitoneal cystic lesions: A case report and review of the literature

“…These masses arise within the retroperitoneal space, which is a complex region located behind the peritoneum (1,4,5). This region houses few organs (such as the adrenal glands and kidneys, portions of the duodenum, pancreas and colon, and the esophagus), major vessels (the aorta and inferior cava vein), deep lymphatic vessels and structures, ligaments and fatty tissues (6). Among those diseases that originate in the retroperitoneal space, neoplasms are uncommon (2).…”

Small Bowel Perforations: What the Radiologist Needs to Know

“…Embryologically, it develops mainly from the midgut; however, the proximal part of the duodenum develops from the caudal foregut. 14 The junction of embryological foregut and midgut is marked by the site of the major duodenal papilla on the medial wall of the second part of the duodenum. 14 The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane consisting of 2 layers that line the abdominal wall (parietal peritoneum) and cover some of the abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum).…”

“…14 The junction of embryological foregut and midgut is marked by the site of the major duodenal papilla on the medial wall of the second part of the duodenum. 14 The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane consisting of 2 layers that line the abdominal wall (parietal peritoneum) and cover some of the abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum). 14 The peritoneal cavity is a virtual space between the parietal peritoneum and the visceral one.…”

“…14 The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane consisting of 2 layers that line the abdominal wall (parietal peritoneum) and cover some of the abdominal organs (visceral peritoneum). 14 The peritoneal cavity is a virtual space between the parietal peritoneum and the visceral one.…”

“…14 The first includes the right subphrenic space, anterior right subhepatic space, posterior right subhepatic space (also known as Morrison pouch), and the lesser sac.…”