Computed Tomographic Features of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the computed tomographic (CT) features of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We analyzed CT features of MPM cases and compared them to those of other malignant conditions (non-MPM).

RESULTS

Multiple nodular lesions occurred more frequently in the MPM group compared to non-MPM cases (p=0.013). Thickening of the mesentery was detected more frequently in MPM cases than in non-MPM cases (56% vs. 18%, p=0.029). Pleural plaques were detected in 13 cases (45%) in the MPM group but were not detected in the non-MPM group. The MPM-CT index score, determined in each case as the sum of the findings which are potentially characteristic of MPM, was significantly higher in MPM than in non-MPM cases (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

MPM presented characteristic CT findings, and the MPM-CT index may be useful for differential diagnosis of MPM.