A CT evaluation of the intraperitoneal fluid distribution.
The intraperitoneal distribution of fluid and its detectability with a CT scanning were investigated in 13 patients during infusion of dialysate for peritoneal dialysis. An ascending pattern of spread i.e. from the lesser pelvis through the inframesocolic compartment to the supramesocolic compartment prevailed. Accumulation of fluid in the perihepatic space and in Morison's pouch as a function of fluid volume is at best approximated by a parabolic curve. Fifty to two hundred fifty ml. of fluid were detectable with a CT scanning in supine position in the majority of cases within the perihepatic space and Morison's pouch. The lowest amount of fluid detectable in the peritoneal cavity--25 ml. was found between the anterior abdominal wall and bowel loops in right decubitus.
D001201:Ascites / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001202:Ascitic Fluid; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*