ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the role of imaging in the management of peritoneal malignancy. Computed tomography (CT) is the most commonly used imaging modality in the initial assessment of patients with diffuse peritoneal malignancy. Ultrasound may be the first imaging modality to diagnose diffuse peritoneal disease. CT scanning is the mainstay of imaging in this context, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and PET-CT used for problem solving and lesion characterisation. PET-CT is reserved for patients with non-mucinous tumours, with raised tumour markers and equivocal CT findings. Primary mucinous appendix tumours appear on CT as a mucocele of the appendix with fluid distension and often rim calcification. The main role of digital subtraction angiography is in therapeutic interventions such as embolization of peri- and early post-operative haemorrhage and insertion of inferior vena cava filters in patients at high risk of pulmonary thromboembolism.
