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Peritoneal lymphomatosis: CT findings
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, #17, Haengdang-Dong, Sungdong-Ku, Seoul 133-792, South Korea.
Abdominal Imaging
|March 28, 1998
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) findings in peritoneal lymphomatosis can mimic other conditions. However, ascites without loculation and diffuse lymphadenopathy are key indicators of gastrointestinal lymphoma spread.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Peritoneal tumor infiltration on computed tomography (CT) is often linked to carcinomatosis.
- Primary gastrointestinal lymphomas can spread to the peritoneum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze CT findings of peritoneal spread from primary gastrointestinal lymphomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of abdominal CT scans in eight patients with peritoneal lymphomatosis.
- Analysis of CT findings including ascites, mesentery and omentum patterns, peritoneal enhancement, and lymph node characteristics.
- Pathologic confirmation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in all patients.
Main Results:
- Ascites was universally present but lacked loculation.
- Mesenteric involvement (stellate pattern) and omental involvement (omental cake) were common.
- Peritoneal enhancement and enlarged lymph nodes (often with low central attenuation) were observed in most patients.
Conclusions:
- CT patterns of peritoneal lymphomatosis are similar to carcinomatosis or tuberculous peritonitis.
- Ascites without loculation and diffuse lymphadenopathy are distinguishing features of peritoneal lymphomatosis.