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Congress: ECR25
Poster Number: C-22743
Type: Poster: EPOS Radiologist (educational)
DOI: 10.26044/ecr2025/C-22743
Authorblock: M. Mecea; Bucharest/RO
Disclosures:
Miruna Mecea: Nothing to disclose
Keywords: Abdomen, Anatomy, Emergency, CT, Complications, Education, Education and training, Haemorrhage, Inflammation
Learning objectives To illustrate the anatomy of the retroperitoneum using schematic representations.To review retroperitoneal spaces through real-life emergency cases.To highlight the importance of integrating clinical and laboratory findings with imaging.
Read more Background The retroperitoneum is an abdominal landmark confined by the posterior parietal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall. The main compartments of the retroperitoneum are the perirenal (perinephric) space, the anterior pararenal space, the posterior pararenal space and the great vessel compartment. The spaces are divided by the anterior renal fascia (Gerota), posterior renal fascia (Zuckerkandl) and lateral conal fascia. The retroperitoneal space in the abdomen is continuous with the extraperitoneal space in the pelvis, thereby providing a route for the...
Read more Findings and procedure details The following cases illustrate a range of acute retroperitoneal pathologies, emphasizing the role of imaging in diagnosis and management. Each case highlights key imaging findings in correlation with laboratory and clinical parameters.1. Acute Pancreatitis  42-year-old male with severe epigastric pain and nausea. Laboratory findings: Triglycerides 145.77 mmol/L (12,900 mg/dL), Lipase 9,600 U/L. Clinical diagnosis: Acute pancreatitis (Revised Atlanta Classification, 2/3 criteria met). Initial CT (IV contrast):  diffuse pancreatic parenchymal enlargement retroperitoneal fat stranding  fluid in the anterior pararenal space, around the pancreas. Progression (Follow-up CT, Day 3): fluid...
Read more Conclusion Evaluating retroperitoneal pathology may be difficult, especially for trainees. A structured approach is essential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making.  Understanding the anatomy: Comprehensive knowledge of retroperitoneal spaces and fascial planes is fundamental.  Multidisciplinary correlation: Clinical history, laboratory values and prior imaging should be systematically reviewed to optimize imaging protocols. Pattern recognition: Familiarity with both common and atypical pathologies enhances differential diagnosis skills.  Accurate reporting: Developing precise reporting techniques is crucial for the diagnostic pathway and effective disease management.  By integrating these principles, trainees...
Read more References William E. Brant, Clyde A. Helms. Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology 4th Edition. (2012) ISBN: 978-1-60831-911-4 Netter FH. Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2018. Glick Y, Sharma R, Knipe H, et al. Retroperitoneum. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org. https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-5718 Tirkes T., Sandrasegaran K., Patel A.A. et al. Peritoneal and Retroperitoneal Anatomy and its relevance for cross-sectional imaging. RadioGraphics, 32(2), 437-451. Doi:10.1148/rg.322115032 The origin and property of the images used: Department of Radiology and Imaging, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest.
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