DIRECT SPREAD OF SUBPERITONEAL DISEASE INTO SOLID ORGANS - RADIOLOGIC-DIAGNOSIS

The subperitoneal space is the continuous space interconnecting the pe ritoneum and retroperitoneum and the abdominal organs. This report exp ands the concept of direct spread of disease via the subperitoneal spa ce to include direct extension into the solid abdominal viscera (i.e., liver, kidneys, and spleen). Discussion of the anatomy, case presenta tions, and imaging with computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance are presented. This unifying concept provides an understandi ng for direct spread of disease presenting clinically or being imaged within a solid abdominal organ.