Pathways of abdominal tumour spread: the role of the subperitoneal space.
The subperitoneal space is a large, unifying, anatomically continuous potential space that connects the peritoneal cavity with the retroperitoneum. This space is formed by the subserosal areolar tissue that lines the inner surfaces of the peritoneum and the musculature of the abdomen and pelvis. It contains the branches of the vascular, lymphatic, and nervous systems that supply the viscera. The subperitoneal space extends into the peritoneal cavity and is invested between the layers of the mesenteries and ligaments that support and interconnect the abdominal and pelvic organs. As such, it provides one large continuous space in which infectious, neoplastic, inflammatory, and hemorrhagic disease may spread in many directions.
Gore
Richard M
RM
Department of Radiology, North Shore University Health System, University of Chicago, Evanston, IL 60201, USA. rgore@uchicago.edu
Newmark
Geraldine M
GM
Thakrar
Kiran H
KH
Mehta
Uday K
UK
Berlin
Jonathan W
JW
D034841:Abdominal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology; D004067:Digestive System Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008643:Mesentery / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000473:pathology*; D009852:Omentum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary