Primary and secondary sclerosing peritonitis. Comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: There are two types of sclerosing peritonitis (SP): primary or idiopathic and secondary, generally to peritoneal dialysis, and less frequently, to other abdominal or systemic pathologies. Mortality related to this is high.

Objective: To compare the clinical feature, diagnostic studies and treatment of patients with Primary and Secondary Sclerosing Peritonitis, to define whether there are any differences and to establish the main clinical and imaging elements allowing for an early diagnosis and improving the therapeutic results.

Material and Methods: An analysis of 18 SP cases diagnosed at our hospital between 2001-2014 was carried out. This includes a retrospective series of 15 cases of secondary SP (13 to peritoneal dialysis and 2 to liver cirrhosis). This is compared against a prospective study that includes 3 patients with primary SP.

Results: The main differences became evident in the clinical presentation: Primary SP: occurs in an intestinal obstruction and a loss of weight scenario of varying degrees. Secondary SP: abdominal pain and recurrent peritonitis as well as ultrafiltration failure prevail. CT of the abdomen has proven to be useful, in particular in those cases where there is intestinal obstruction. It has made preoperative diagnostic possible.

Conclusions: A high degree of suspicion is required for an SP early diagnosis, especially for the primary form. All patients presenting abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting and any degree of weight loss and those with five or more years of peritoneal dialysis presenting abdominal pain and/or recurrent peritonitis and/or ultrafiltration failure should raise a diagnosis suspicion.