Retroperitoneal spaces

Case contributed by Emma Gevorgyan
Diagnosis not applicable
Diagram

The lateral compartments of the retroperitoneum are divided by the renal fascia into 3 spaces:

  • perirenal space

  • anterior pararenal space

  • posterior pararenal space

The perirenal space is an inverted cone with its tip in the iliac fossa. Caudal to the perirenal space the anterior and posterior pararenal spaces merge and form an infrarenal retroperitoneal space. Caudally the perirenal space communicates with the infrarenal retroperitoneal space, which communicates with the extraperitoneal pelvic spaces. Thus, all 3 spaces communicate with each other.

Case Discussion

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