RadioGraphics, Vol 15, 89-104, Copyright © 1995 by Radiological Society of North America
CT of the mesentery, omentum, and peritoneum in children
L Ruess, AA Frazier and CJ Sivit
Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010.
Primary abnormalities of the peritoneum are rare in children. However,
there is frequent secondary involvement of the peritoneal cavity and its
specialized folds, the mesentery and omentum, in the presence of
infectious, neoplastic, and traumatic conditions that originate at other
sites in the abdomen or pelvis. Computed tomography (CT) is usually the
modality of choice for evaluation of complex abdominal or pelvic pathologic
conditions. Peritoneal cavity abnormalities include peritoneal fluid,
pneumoperitoneum, and hemoperitoneum; peritoneal abscesses and peritonitis;
metastases; and bladder or bowel rupture and solid organ injury. Mesenteric
and omental abnormalities include an increase in or infiltration of
mesenteric and omental fat; mesenteric lymphadenitis; mid-gut malrotation
and bowel herniation; a variety of infections; metastases, lymphoma, and
lymphangioma; and mesenteric injury. Knowledge of the spectrum of
abnormalities that involve the mesentery, omentum, and peritoneal cavity
and the characteristic CT appearances of these abnormalities is essential
for improved diagnosis of these conditions.
