The infraconal compartment: a multidirectional pathway for spread of disease between the extraperitoneal abdomen and pelvis.
OBJECTIVE
The space below the kidneys where the anterior and posterior pararenal spaces converge has been defined only vaguley in the past. We describe observations on clinical CT cases and studies on cadavers that lead to a refinement in the terminology for this extraperitoneal compartment.


METHODS
Abdominal/pelvic CT scans from 18 patients and the scans of 2 cadavers injected in the femoral region with iodinated contrast material were reviewed concerning the location and distribution of fluid or gas collections relative to the renal fascial enclosure.


RESULTS
Pathologic processes involving the anterior or posterior pararenal spaces in addition to the pelvic extraperitoneal spaces were always accompanied by collections in the space below the cone of renal fascia.


CONCLUSIONS
The term infraconal compartment is a suggested term for the caudal continuation of the anterior and posterior pararenal spaces. This compartment serves as an important multidirectional pathway for the spread of disease between the extraperitoneal abdomen and the pelvis. Fluid collections within this compartment have a characteristic CT appearance.
Beaulieu
C F
CF
Department of Radiology, Stanford University Medical Center, CA 94305, USA.
Mindelzun
R E
RE
Dolph
J
J
Jeffrey
R B
RB
D001826:Body Fluids / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid; D003287:Contrast Media; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005740:Gases; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D005740:Gases