Computed tomographic peritoneography: CT manifestations in the investigation of leaks and abnormal collections in patients on CAPD

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is now a common form of treatment for patients with chronic renal failure. However, peritoneal leaks and abnormal intraperitoneal collections can be problematic in these patients, leading to poor dialysate returns, anterior abdominal wall oedema, and genital oedema. We report on a series of 62 computed tomographic peritoneograms performed using a standard protocol on 39 symptomatic patients over 6 years. Thirty-seven scans identified peritoneal leaks or abnormal collections, including leaks from the present dialysis catheter site and previous catheter sites, and collections in inguinal and abdominal herniae. Three patients had abnormalities at two sites each. Localization of leaks and collections is of direct use when surgical management of these patients is contemplated and this paper aims to illustrate the typical CT findings occurring in these patients.