Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis: imaging findings in an uncommon entity

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Abdominal Imaging

Background:

• Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare condition with unclear pathophysiology.
• It presents in idiopathic and secondary forms, with the latter often linked to peritoneal dialysis.
• Late diagnosis is common due to nonspecific clinical signs and lack of biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the characteristic imaging findings of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis.
• To emphasize the role of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing SEP.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging findings in patients with sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis.
• Focus on computed tomography (CT) characteristics.
• Comparison with ultrasonography findings.

Main Results:

• Key imaging signs include peritoneal thickening and calcification.
• Bowel loop dilation with thickened and calcified walls is observed.
• Loculated ascites may be present in association with these findings.

Conclusions:

• Computed tomography (CT) is the primary imaging modality for assessing SEP.
• Recognizing specific imaging signs is crucial for timely diagnosis.
• Early diagnosis can be facilitated by understanding these characteristic radiological features.