18F-FDG PET/CT in peritoneal tumors: a pictorial review

Pathologic involvement of the peritoneum can result from a wide range of conditions, including both non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases. In the latter case, the peritoneum can be affected by primary tumors and, more commonly, secondary pathologic implants. In this heterogeneous spectrum of diseases, morphological imaging, especially computed tomography (CT), is the method of choice in detecting peritoneal implants as well as treatment response evaluation. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) is a reference technique in the oncological field and to date can be considered as a useful tool in the evaluation of peritoneal involvement. The purpose of this review is to describe the main 18F-FDG PET/CT features of peritoneal malignancies, to assess the potential use of 18F-FDG PET/CT for this disease and help in images evaluation.