Paracolic Gutters Radiology

The paracolic spaces gutters are located lateral to the peritoneal reflections of the left and right sides of the colon fig 8a.

Paracolic gutters radiology.

There is a multi cystic mass extending from the pelvis along the right paracolic gutter to the upper abdomen. This is discussed more fully in chapter 108. Liver or splenic hemorrhage more typically descends peripherally along the paracolic gutters into the pelvis and is not entrapped in interloop spaces. There are two paracolic gutters.

In a male. Fluid in the right paracolic gutter which structure represents the main communication between the upper and lower abdominal compartments reaches morison s pouch and subsequently the right subphrenic space. In a supine position gravity causes fluid in the upper abdomen to flow from the left upper quadrant and right paracolic gutter into the right upper quadrant. Between the outer wall of the colon and back side of the abdominal wall there is an open space known as the paracolic gutter.

Chief gastrointestinal radiology department of radiologic pathology armed forces institute of pathology washington dc associate professor of radiology uniformed services university of the health sciences bethesda md. It is also known as sulci paracolic and paracolic recesses. Etiologically it means a channel adjacent to the abdominal wall. The paracolic gutters paracolic sulci paracolic recesses are spaces between the colon and the abdominal wall.

Related radiopaedia articles medical student radiology curriculum. Fluid may sit within the peritoneal space or paracolic gutters or may be interposed between bowel loops or around solid organs e g. The left lateral paracolic gutter. Thus centrally located triangular areas of high attenuation abdominal fluid should prompt a search for intraperitoneal bowel or mesenteric injury 7 8.

The right paracolic gutter is larger than the left and communicates freely with the right subphrenic space. The paracolic gutters paracolic sulci paracolic recesses are spaces between the colon and the abdominal wall. The right lateral paracolic gutter.