J Korean Soc Med Ultrasound.  2001 Mar;20(1):37-41.

Ultrasonographic Findings of Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis

• Han JK
• Lee HK
• Moon C
• Hong HS
• Kwon KH
• Choi DL

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the ultrasonographic findings of the patients with sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP).
MATERIALS and METHODS
Thirteen patients with surgically confirmed sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis were involved in this study. Because of intestinal obstruction, all patients had received operations. Among 13 patients, 12 cases had continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for 2 months-12 years and 4 months (mean: 6 years and 10 months), owing to chronic renal failure and one patient had an operation due to variceal bleeding caused by liver cirrhosis.
RESULTS
On ultrasonographic examination, all patients showed loculated ascites which were large (n=7) or small (n=6) in amount with multiple sepatations. The small bowel loops were tethered posteriorly without peristaltic movement and covered with the thick membrane.
CONCLUSION
The ultrasonographic findings of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis were posteriorly tethered small bowels covered with a thick membrane and loculated ascites with multiple septa. Ultrasonographic examination can detect the thin membrane covering the small bowel loops in the early phase of the disease, therefore ultrasonography would be a helpful modality to diagnose SEP early.

MeSH Terms

Ascites
Esophageal and Gastric Varices
Humans
Intestinal Obstruction
Kidney
Kidney Failure, Chronic
Liver Cirrhosis
Membranes
Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory
Peritonitis*
Ultrasonography