title: A giant peritoneal loose body.
abstract: Peritoneal loose bodies (PLBs) are usually discovered incidentally during laparotomy or autopsy. A few cases of giant PLBs presenting with various symptoms have been reported in the literature. Here, we describe a case of a giant PLB incidentally found in the pelvic cavity of a 50-year-old man. Computed tomography revealed a free ovoid mass in the pelvic cavity that consisted of central dense, heterogeneous calcifications and peripheral soft tissue. The mass was an egg-shaped, hard, glistening concretion measuring 7.5×7.0×6.8 cm and weighing 160 g. This concretion consisted of central necrotic fatty tissue surrounded by concentrically laminated, acellular, fibrous material. Small PLBs usually do not require any specific treatment. However, if PLBs cause alimentary or urinary symptoms due to their large size, surgical removal may be recommended. It is essential for clinicians to be aware of this entity and its characteristic features to establish the correct diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Analysis, Aerospace Medical Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun-Soo
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Ji-Youn
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.forename: Won Seo
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Youn Wha
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Colon; Loose body; Peritoneum