[When is computed tomography indicated in dilatation of the retrorectal space?]

The reasonable use of computed tomography in the diagnosis of an enlarged retrorectal space was analysed in 92 cases. CT is useful in differentiation of a pathologically enlarged retrorectal space without mucosal lesions of the rectum. It enables the separation between tumourous masses, proliferation of connective tissue (in retrorectal fibrosis or inflammatory disease) and pelvic lipomatosis. If simultaneous mucosal involvement in barium enema or rectoscopy--especially in rectal carcinoma or recurrent carcinoma of the rectum- is found, CT may show the perirectal extension of tumorous masses and thus help to clarify local operability.