The retroperitoneal spaces revisited

Although progress has been made toward understanding retroperitoneal anatomy [1 -5], it is still difficult to reconcile certain abdominal CT findings with prevailing concepts about the developmental and adult anatomy of the retroperitoneal spaces. Our aims here are to (1) review current concepts about the compartmental anatomy of the retroperitoneum, (2) present CT findings that are difficult to explain on the basis of current notions about the retroperitoneal spaces, and (3) propose a hypothesis that may help clarify the developmental and subsequent anatomic divisions of the retropentoneum.