[Imaging of peritoneal mesotheliomas]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm affecting the peritoneum, presenting as either benign or malignant forms.
• Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for malignant mesothelioma.
• Distinguishing between benign and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma can be challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze and describe the imaging characteristics of benign and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
• To evaluate the utility of imaging features in differentiating between benign and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of imaging findings in nine patients with peritoneal mesothelioma (six malignant, three benign).
• Review of radiological features including ascites, peritoneal masses, nodules, and thickening.

Main Results:

• Common imaging findings included ascites (78%), peritoneal masses (88%), small peritoneal nodules (66%), and parietal peritoneal thickening (66%).
• Thickened mesentery (55%) and pleural changes (11%) were also observed.
• Asbestos exposure was present in 3/6 malignant cases but none of the benign cases.

Conclusions:

• Observed imaging features are indicative of peritoneal mesothelioma.
• Current imaging findings do not reliably differentiate between benign and malignant forms of peritoneal mesothelioma.