Retroperitoneum Flashcards
Increased BUN levels (blood urea nitrogen) will point to which organ of interest?
Kidneys
Where is the left adrenal gland anatomic relation to the abdominal aorta and diaphragmatic crus?
Lateral
- anteromedially to the left kidney, posterior to the stomach
Patient has abdominal pain and increased serum amylase. There is a pocket of fluid in the left pararenal space. What is the most likely etiology of this mass?
Pancreatic pseudocyst
(serum amylase raises with acute pancreatitis)
Which retroperitoneal compartments contain no solid organs?
Posterior pararenal space and retrofascial space
Which retroperitoneal space do the kidneys lie in?
Perirenal space
A patient with the history pheochromocytoma means which structure will be most beneficial in identification of this abnormality?
Adrenal glands
pheochromocytoma = tumour in the adrenal glands
What is the correct anatomic location of the right adrenal gland?
Posterior to the IVC
What structure is not retroperitoneal in location?
Spleen
Kidney
Pancreas
Aorta
Psoas Muscles
Spleen
You suspect a left adrenal mass while scanning - what following condition may simulate an adrenal mass?
- thickened diaphragmatic crus
- accessory spleen
- gastric diverticulum
- retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy
- all of the above
all of the above
Increased lipase levels should direct the sonographer to which organ?
Pancreas
Which retropertioneal compartment contains the psoas and the quadratus lumborum muscles?
Retrofascial space
An anechoic mass with multiple septations located lateral to the midline and 2 cm below the abdo wall after a surgery is most likely going to be what?
Lymphocele
What retroperitoneal compartment contains the aorta?
Anterior pararenal space
What is the anatomic location of the right diaphragmatic crus?
Posterior to the inferior vena cava and right renal artery
Which retroperitoneal compartment is most frequently involved with a pseudocyst?
Anterior pararenal space
What structure will be evaluated to identify retropertioneal fibrosis?
Aorta
What type of structure is are the adrenal glands? (endocrine vs exocrine)
Endocrine
What is Addison disease? (also known as adrenocortical insufficiency)
A life threatening condition, caused by partial or complete failure of adrenocortical function
What is Cushing syndrome?
Metabolic disorder, resulting from chronic and excessive production of cortisol by adrenal cortex. The body cannot regulate secretions or cortisol of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) - also known as hyperadrenalism.
What are the diaphragmatic crura?
Fibers that connect the vertebral column and diaphragm.
Superior to the celiac axis, lie anterior to the aorta, and posterior to the IVC.
What is a neuroblastoma?
Malignant tumor of the adrenal gland found in young children
What is the most common malignant tumor of the adrenal gland in young children?
Neuroblastoma
What does the cortex of the adrenal gland do?
Secretes steroids
What does the medulla of the adrenal gland do?
Secretes catecholamines: epinephrine and norepinephrine
Regulates blood pressure and heart rate
