Localization and extent of peritoneal calcification in three uremic patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal...

Peritoneal calcification in three patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was reviewed, and the relation between the localization and extent of calcium deposits detected by abdominal computed tomography (CT) and clinical signs was evaluated. Case 1 was a 48-year-old man with abdominal pain, hemoperitoneum and secondary hyperparathyroidism after receiving CAPD for seven years. An abdominal CT revealed linear peritoneal calcification in the pelvic cavity and liver surface, and his symptoms resolved after switching to hemodialysis. His clinical course and pathological findings were compatible with those in progressive calcifying peritonitis. Case 2 was a 26-year-old man presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting and fullness two years after switching to hemodialysis, because of uncontrolled overhydration following 13 years of CAPD. Plaque-like calcification outlining the small intestine and parietal peritoneum was noted on CT. Case 3 was a 59-year-old man who had abdominal distention, vomiting and diarrhea three months after switching to hemodialysis due to loss of peritoneal function following 10 years of CAPD. CT revealed diffuse sheet-like calcification surrounding the bowel and mesentery, adherent dilated bowel loops and ascites. These CT findings suggested the existence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) in cases 2 and 3. Findings from our three patients indicate that peritoneal calcification is not always accompanied by EPS; however, monitoring peritoneal calcification and other findings by abdominal CT, even after cessation of CAPD, is crucial to maintain vigilance on whether the subclinical signs, which are temporally diagnosed as progressive calcifying peritonitis, advance to EPS.