Peritoneum and retroperitoneum Flashcards
(23 cards)
What are the two separate parts in the abdomen that do not communicate?
Peritoneum and retroperitoneum
What is the peritoneum?
The serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity containing most abdominal organs
What is the retroperitoneum?
The space in the dorsal abdomen, outside the peritoneum, between the peritoneum and the dorsal abdomen
What does decreased serosal detail indicate?
Abdominal fluid
What is the acronym used for differentials of decreased serosal detail?
My Father Says Thank You
List the differentials for decreased serosal detail.
- Mass
- Fluid
- Skinny
- Technique
- Young
What are the types of fluid that can cause decreased serosal detail?
- Blood
- Urine, transudate/exudate
- Bile
What is AFAST?
A point-of-care ultrasound that looks for abdominal fluid
True or False: The kidneys are assessed with serosal detail.
False
What causes pneumoperitoneum?
- Iatrogenic - laparotomy
- From the outside - bite wounds, hit by car, gunshot
- From the inside - rupture of GI tract
What are the radiographic signs of pneumoperitoneum?
- Gas bubbles in areas without intestines
- Visualization of both sides of the diaphragm
How long does gas last post spey surgery?
24-48 hours
How long does gas last post exploratory laparotomy in a sick animal?
~10 days
What is the cutoff point for determining if gas is due to a new leak post-surgery?
2 weeks
What is the purpose of a horizontal beam radiograph?
To detect free gas, sensitive to 2-5 ml of free gas
What organs are contained in the retroperitoneum?
- Kidneys
- Adrenals
- Ureters
How is the retroperitoneum assessed on radiographs?
Only on the lateral projection
What are the two clinical scenarios for decreased retroperitoneal detail?
- Trauma
- Spontaneous
What is the next step if decreased retroperitoneal detail is due to trauma?
Excretory urogram
What is the next step if decreased retroperitoneal detail is spontaneous?
Abdominal ultrasound or CT
What does an excretory urogram evaluate?
The integrity of ureters and bladder after IV contrast injection
What are the indications for an excretory urogram?
- Ectopic ureter evaluation
- Ureter rupture post trauma
Fill in the blank: The retroperitoneal space communicates with the _______.
[mediastinum and pelvic cavity]
