Diagnostic value of CT peritoneography for non-infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis

OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic value of CT peritoneography for peritoneal complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). METHODS CT peritoneography in 11 CAPD patients with clinically suspected dialysis-related complications was prospectively studied. The CAPD patients were all treated in Renji Hospital from 2005 to 2007. CT images were reviewed according to the evidence of peritoneal leaks, hernias, loculate pleural fluid collections, and adhesions. RESULTS Abnormal findings were found in 9 of 11 CAPD cases including inguinal hernias (3 cases), umbilical hernia (1 case), hydrocele (1 case), leaks in catheter tunnel (2 cases), and peritoneal adhesions (2 cases). Parts of them were confirmed by surgical operation. CONCLUSION CT peritoneography is useful for the evaluation of complications related to CAPD, and it offers excellent tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging for assessment of the complications.