Gliomatosis Peritonei and Its Relation to Teratoma: Role of Imaging and Histological Aspects

Abstract

Gliomatosis peritonei (GP) is a rare disease, usually associated with immature ovarian teratoma. GP may be rarely associated with mature ovarian teratoma. GP is composed of mature glial tissue elements, which histopathological examination can further confirm. Benign glial implants usually involve the omentum, peritoneum and lymph nodes. Many benign and malignant peritoneal diseases may mimic GP on clinical examination. GP may be confused with peritoneal carcinomatosis on computed tomography (CT) scan. A microscopic examination from peritoneal mass biopsy helps to rule out differential diagnosis. GP consists of mature glial tissue and is regarded as grade 0 according to the WHO grading of immature teratoma (IT). GP corresponds to a good prognosis with occasional cases showing malignant evolution.