Smith H, Knipe H, Walizai T, et al. Peritoneal loose body. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 26 Mar 2025) https://radiopaedia.org/articles/70315
Peritoneal loose bodies or peritoneal mice are calcified pieces of necrotic tissue in the peritoneal cavity. They are usually asymptomatic and small, ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 cm in size, but rarely may be up to 5 to 10 cm.
The torsion and autoamputation of epiploic appendages forms peritoneal loose bodies. Epiploic appendages are susceptible to torsion due to their narrow pedicle. Acute torsion produces epiploic appendagitis, which is normally self-limiting. However, chronic torsion results in ischemia and subsequent calcification, fibrosis, and autoamputation of the appendage with it then being released into the peritoneal cavity 1.
Radiographic features
CT
centrally calcified soft tissue mass
mobile mass, moving to the dependent position of the patient
usually 0.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter, however, may be up to 10 cm in size - termed "giant" loose body
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Treatment and prognosis
Rarely they have been implicated in the development of urinary retention and bowel obstruction. If symptomatic, surgical removal may be required.
1. Gayer G, Petrovitch I, Jeffrey R. Foreign Objects Encountered in the Abdominal Cavity at CT. Radiographics. 2011;31(2):409-28. doi:10.1148/rg.312105123 - Pubmed
2. Ghahremani G, White E, Hoff F, Gore R, Miller J, Christ M. Appendices Epiploicae of the Colon: Radiologic and Pathologic Features. Radiographics. 1992;12(1):59-77. doi:10.1148/radiographics.12.1.1734482 - Pubmed
3. Ghosh P, Strong C, Naugler W, Haghighi P, Carethers J. Peritoneal Mice Implicated in Intestinal Obstruction: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;40(5):427-30. doi:10.1097/00004836-200605000-00012 - Pubmed
4. Bhandarwar A, Desai V, Gajbhiye R, Deshraj B. Acute Retention of Urine Due to a Loose Peritoneal Body. Br J Urol. 1996;78(6):951-2. doi:10.1046/j.1464-410x.1996.131430.x - Pubmed
5. Gayer G & Petrovitch I. CT Diagnosis of a Large Peritoneal Loose Body: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Br J Radiol. 2011;84(1000):e83-5. doi:10.1259/bjr/98708052 - Pubmed
6. Mehammed A, Bezabih N, Gebresilassie M, Hailu Y, Semahegn M, Damtie M. Unveiling the Rarity: A Case Report of Giant Peritoneal Loose Body. Radiology Case Reports. 2024;19(11):5492-5. doi:10.1016/j.radcr.2024.08.025 - Pubmed
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