Radioanatomy of the retroperitoneal space

Abstract

The retroperitoneum is a space situated behind the parietal peritoneum and in front of the transversalis fascia. It contains further spaces that are separated by the fasciae, between which communication is possible with both the peritoneal cavity and the pelvis, according to the theory of interfascial spread. The perirenal space has the shape of an inverted cone and contains the kidneys, adrenal glands, and related vasculature. It is delineated by the anterior and posterior renal fasciae, which surround the ureter and allow communication towards the pelvis. At the upper right pole, the perirenal space connects to the retrohepatic space at the bare area of the liver. There is communication between these two spaces through the Kneeland channel. The anterior pararenal space contains the duodenum, pancreas, and the ascending and descending colon. There is free communication within this space, and towards the mesenteries along the vessels. The posterior pararenal space, which contains fat, communicates with the preperitoneal space at the anterior surface of the abdomen between the peritoneum and the transversalis fascia, and allows communication with the contralateral posterior pararenal space. This space follows the length of the ureter to the pelvis, which explains the communication between these areas and the length of the pelvic fasciae.

Anatomy of the superior hypogastric plexus and its application in nerve-sparing paraaortic lymphadenectomy

“…The aortic bifurcation and the right ureter were easily identifiable by inspection or palpation under the retroperitoneum even during surgery and have been used successfully as anatomical landmarks in previous radiologic [5,16] and dissection studies [18,21]. The root of the sigmoid mesentery was selected because the left ureter was covered by the root of the sigmoid mesentery [6].…”

Unusual case of extraperitoneal gas in the abdomen

“…The properitoneal space (also referred to as the preperitoneal space) lies between the parietal peritoneum and the transversalis fascia and communicates with the posterior pararenal space between the lateral conal fascia and the transversalis fascia, as shown in Figure . In this unusual case extraperitoneal gas is seen conforming to the parietal peritoneum, in what we believe to be the properitoneal space.…”

“…A loop of small bowel with pneumatosis is noted intimately related to the abdominal wall as show in Figure . It is possible this gas entered the space between the lateral conal fascia and the transversalis fascia, which is in communication with the properitoneal space . Alternatively, the bowel may have been in direct communication with the properitoneal fascia, fixed by adhesions.…”

Role of multidetector computed tomography in evaluation of retroperitoneal masses

“…1 The iliopsoas compartment is generally considered to be retroperitoneal even though it is behind the transversalis fascia because it is frequently involved in processes that begin in the retroperitoneum. 2 Several diagnostic modalities can be applied for the evaluation of these mass lesions. The conventional methods include plain radiography, IVU, retroperitoneal lymphography and angiography.…”