Thursday, May 8, 2008

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is a rare but severe complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). It may occur even years after a patient has stopped PD, and is characterized by calcifications along the peritoneum and small bowel loops (see arrows).

It presents with abdominal pain and recurrent bowel obstructions related to thick, fibrous tissue that encases the bowel.

Treatment involves the surgical removal of fibrous tissue and intensive nutritional support, often with TPN.

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