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[Peritoneal effusions : characteristic radiological images (author's transl)]
La Semaine Des Hopitaux : Organe Fonde Par L'Association D'Enseignement Medical Des Hopitaux De Paris
|February 8, 1981
Summary
Radiological examination of peritoneal recesses aids early diagnosis of fluid buildup. This method accurately detects ascites and hemoperitoneum, outperforming traditional clinical assessments.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Peritoneal effusion, including ascites and hemoperitoneum, requires timely diagnosis.
- Traditional radiological signs for ascites are often only apparent with large fluid volumes (around 1 liter).
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate a radiological method for early detection of peritoneal effusion.
- To compare the efficacy of this method against paracentesis and clinical examination.
Main Methods:
- Insufflating the colon to enhance delineation of the rectum and paracolic gutters.
- Positioning patients to accumulate fluid in specific peritoneal recesses (pelvis, paracolic gutters).
- Utilizing soft-tissue X-ray parameters for detailed imaging.
Main Results:
- The radiological method achieved 92% confirmation of peritoneal effusion.
- It detected effusions as small as 150 ml in 96% of cases.
- The method demonstrated equal value to paracentesis for hemoperitoneum and superior value to clinical examination for ascites.
Conclusions:
- This radiological technique offers superior early detection of peritoneal effusion compared to existing methods.
- It is a valuable diagnostic tool for both ascites and hemoperitoneum, especially for smaller fluid volumes.