[Insidious growth of peritoneal cysts several years after pelvic surgery. Ultrasonographic and x-ray computed tomographic aspects].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study is to call the radiologist's attention to peritoneal cysts (PC) when making the diagnosis of cystic masses in patients with a history of long-standing abdominal surgery.


METHODS
Four cases of histologically proven peritoneal cysts, discovered 2 to 21 years after abdominal surgery were studied with ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). The symptoms leading to the diagnosis of PC included abdominal pain, discomfort and palpable mass.


RESULTS
On US and CT, the lesion of inflammatory origin appeared as a flaccid, septated and thin-walled cystic mass often mistaken for an ovarian lesion. Positive diagnosis of PC can be achieved at pathology examination by the identification of a mesothelial layer on the inner surface of the cyst.


CONCLUSIONS
CT or US images showing a flaccid multiseptated thin-walled cystic mass in a patient who has a history of previous abdominal surgery should draw the radiologist's attention to the diagnosis of PC among other cystic tumors.
De Blay
V
V
Service de Radiologie, Hôpital de Jolimont, Haine-Saint-Paul, Belgique.
Libon
E
E
Gérard
R
R
Gilbeau
J P
JP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis / Q000601:surgery*; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
Croissance insidieuse des kystes péritonéaux plusieurs années après intervention pelvienne. Aspects tomodensitométriques et échographiques.