Peritoneal pseudocysts: aetiology, imaging appearances, and natural history

Peritoneal pseudocysts (PPCs) are generally not well recognized and often present a diagnostic dilemma to clinicians and radiologists alike. These benign entities typically arise in females of reproductive age on a background of pelvic adhesions and peritoneal dysfunction where ovarian fluid is retained within loculated cystic collections. This review will illustrate the broad spectrum of appearances encountered and discuss the central role of radiologists in the diagnosis, follow-up, and minimally-invasive treatment.