Imaging in encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis

Abstract

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but very severe complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Since the first reports on this disease in the eighties, several imaging techniques have been used for its diagnosis. Because of the rarity of this condition, uniformity in modality and protocols for abdominal imaging for diagnosis has been lacking overtime. Nowadays, computed tomography (CT) is most often used. In this review, we provide an overview of all imaging modalities that have been used overtime to diagnose EPS as a late complication of PD. Imaging features characteristic for EPS and advantages as well as shortcomings of all modalities are discussed. We believe that when EPS is suspected, CT with contrast enhancement should be the modality of first choice in clinical practice. © 2011 The Author.