Peritoneal mesothelioma: Contribution of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings to differential diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: In this article we review radiologic findings of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with our patient arschives. We also want to give some information and detersmine importance of radiologic findings about differential diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Materials and methods: We scanned our patient archive of mesothelioma between 2008 and 2012 years. We acscepted 15 patients with peritoneal mesothelioma who had computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at their initial diagnosis. Results: We found peritoneal irregularity and nodular thickening in 11 patients (73.3%), diffuse peritoneal thicksening (omental cake) in 5 patients (33.3%), ascites in 9 patients (60%), extension of adjunct tissue and hepatic metastases in only one patient (6.6%). Conclusion: Malignant mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose with only clinical findings. CT and MRI helpful to diagnose and show spread of disease but tissue biopsy is required for the definitive diagnosis.