Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (779 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
An area occupying the most posterior aspect of the abdominal cavity. It is bounded laterally by the borders of the quadratus lumborum muscles and extends from the diaphragm to the brim of the true pelvis, where it continues as the pelvic extraperitoneal space.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Retroperitoneal Spaces; Space, Retroperitoneal; Spaces, Retroperitoneal.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Abdominal Cavity
Related concepts
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 9,574 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Retroperitoneal Space” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 1,052 of them (11.0%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 4,438 records.
Reviews account for 854 records (8.9%) and meta-analyses for 44. Randomized controlled trials number 84 (0.9%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 4,438 |
| 2000-2009 | 1,971 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,113 |
| 2020 onward | 1,052 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 854 | 8.9% |
| Meta-analyses | 44 | 0.5% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 84 | 0.9% |
Method: PubMed query "Retroperitoneal Space"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
An update on recent developments in rupture of renal angiomyolipoma [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundRenal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a common benign tumor of the kidney.
- Closing excerpt
- Any decision to intervene AML must be based on multiple factors including risk, symptoms, and auxiliary findings.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (191 words)
BackgroundRenal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a common benign tumor of the kidney. The main complication of AML is retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by AML rupture, which can be severe and life threatening. The risk of AML rupture used to be determined by tumor size. However, these criteria have been challenged by series of clinical studies and case reports, suggesting prediction AML rupture based on tumor size is not always reliable.MethodsThe authors searched PubMed using "angiomyolipoma," "AML," and "rupture" and reviewed relevant studies. The authors investigated the risk factors of AML rupture using the retrieved literature. The authors also summarized current modalities to evaluate and manage AML.ResultsIt is established that risk of AML rupture is associated with lesion size. However, genetic abnormality, aneurysm formation, and pregnancy are also risk factors for tumor rupture. Thus, the prediction of AML rupture should be based on a more comprehensive risk assessment system. The management of renal AML and tumor rupture was also discussed in the present paper.ConclusionThe risk of AML rupture is associated with but not exclusive to lesion size. Any decision to intervene AML must be based on multiple factors including risk, symptoms, and auxiliary findings.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 29668633 · DOI · PMC5916643
The effect of the retroperitoneal transpsoas minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion on segmental and regional lumbar lordosis [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundThe minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion (MIS LIF) in the lumbar spine can correct coronal Cobb angles, but the effect on sagittal plane correction is unclear.
- Closing excerpt
- Anterior longitudinal ligament sectioning and/or the addition of a more lordotic implant may be necessary in cases where significant increases in regional lumbar lordosis are desired.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (149 words)
BackgroundThe minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion (MIS LIF) in the lumbar spine can correct coronal Cobb angles, but the effect on sagittal plane correction is unclear.MethodsA retrospective review of thirty-five patients with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent MIS LIF without supplemental posterior instrumentation was undertaken to study the radiographic effect on the restoration of segmental and regional lumbar lordosis using the Cobb angles on pre- and postoperative radiographs. Mean disc height changes were also measured.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 13.3 months. Fifty total levels were fused with a mean of 1.42 levels fused per patient. Mean segmental Cobb angle increased from 11.10° to 13.61° (P ConclusionsThe MIS LIF improves segmental lordosis and disc height in the lumbar spine but not regional lumbar lordosis. Anterior longitudinal ligament sectioning and/or the addition of a more lordotic implant may be necessary in cases where significant increases in regional lumbar lordosis are desired.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 22919332 · DOI · PMC3419412
Gastro-intestinal symptoms as clinical manifestation of peritoneal and retroperitoneal spread of an invasive lobular breast cancer: report of a case and review of the literature [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundDistant spread from breast cancer is commonly found in bones, lungs, liver and central nervous system.
- Closing excerpt
- Awareness of such a condition by clinicians is mandatory in order to make an early diagnosis and start a prompt and correct therapeutic approach.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (147 words)
BackgroundDistant spread from breast cancer is commonly found in bones, lungs, liver and central nervous system. Metastatic involvement of peritoneum and retroperitoneum is unusual and unexpected.Case presentationWe report the case of a 67 year-old-woman who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms which revealed to be the clinical manifestations of peritoneal and retroperitoneal metastatic spread of an invasive lobular breast cancer diagnosed 15 years before.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, the case presented is the third one reported in literature showing a wide peritoneal and extraperitoneal diffusion of an invasive lobular breast cancer. The long and complex diagnostic work up which led us to the diagnosis is illustrated, with particular emphasis on the multidisciplinary approach, which is mandatory to obtain such a result in these cases. Awareness of such a condition by clinicians is mandatory in order to make an early diagnosis and start a prompt and correct therapeutic approach.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 16854225 · DOI · PMC1550421
Collecting duct carcinoma with retroperitoneal mass as initial presentation: a rare case report [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundCollecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is a rare renal tumor, originating from the distal collecting duct.
- Closing excerpt
- Definite diagnosis is based on pathological examination combined with immunohistochemical staining.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (292 words)
BackgroundCollecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is a rare renal tumor, originating from the distal collecting duct. CDC rarely presents as a primary tumor outside the renal system.Case presentationIn this study, we report a rare case of collecting duct carcinoma, with an initial presentation of retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis, and no identifiable primary renal tumor on CT, at the time of diagnosis. The patient was a 64-year-old man presenting with lower back pain. Preoperative CT showed a round, soft tissue mass, measuring 6.7 × 4.4 × 3.3 cm, in the left retroperitoneum with no exact occupying lesion in the left kidney. Clinically, ectopic pheochromocytoma was considered to be a differential diagnosis, and tumor resection was performed. Postoperative pathological results demonstrated that the mass was a fused lymph node, and the tumor cells were destroying the structure. The final diagnosis was lymph node metastatic collecting duct carcinoma, by histology and immunohistochemistry. No further treatment was performed as no space occupying lesion was found in the kidney. Three months later, CT was reexamined, and a mass of 3.6 cm in diameter, was found in the lower left kidney, along with multiple soft tissue masses, in the left renal hilum. Considering recurrence or metastasis, the patient was recommended to undergo surgical treatment, but the patient refused. Four months later, CT was re-examined. The tumor had rapidly progressed but the patient refused treatment again. As per the author's press release (eleven months after the first discovery), the patient is still alive.ConclusionCDC is a rare malignant renal carcinoma, with a high chance of rapid progress, regional lymph nodes involvement and metastasis. It presents diagnostic challenges to clinicians and pathologists, particularly, in the absence of radiographically detectable intrarenal lesions. Definite diagnosis is based on pathological examination combined with immunohistochemical staining.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 37495956 · DOI · PMC10373255
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Retroperitoneal cystic masses: CT, clinical, and pathologic findings and literature review [5]
- Research article Management of spontaneous and iatrogenic retroperitoneal haemorrhage: conservative management, endovascular intervention or open surgery? [6]
- Research article Deep retroperitoneal pelvic endometriosis: MR imaging appearance with laparoscopic correlation [7]
- Research article Peritoneal and retroperitoneal anatomy and its relevance for cross-sectional imaging [8]
- Research article Fat-containing Retroperitoneal Lesions: Imaging Characteristics, Localization, and Differential Diagnosis [9]
- Research article The clinical spectrum of retroperitoneal hematoma in anticoagulated patients [10]
References
- Wang C, Li X, Peng L, Gou X, Fan J. An update on recent developments in rupture of renal angiomyolipoma. . 2018. PMID 29668633 · DOI · PMC5916643
- Le TV, Vivas AC, Dakwar E, Baaj AA, Uribe JS. The effect of the retroperitoneal transpsoas minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion on segmental and regional lumbar lordosis. . 2012. PMID 22919332 · DOI · PMC3419412
- Franceschini G, Manno A, Mulè A, Verbo A, Verbo A, Rizzo G, et al.. Gastro-intestinal symptoms as clinical manifestation of peritoneal and retroperitoneal spread of an invasive lobular breast cancer: report of a case and review of the literature. . 2006. PMID 16854225 · DOI · PMC1550421
- Ye R, Liao Y, Xia T, Zhang X, Lu Q, Xiao X. Collecting duct carcinoma with retroperitoneal mass as initial presentation: a rare case report. . 2023. PMID 37495956 · DOI · PMC10373255
- Yang DM, Jung DH, Kim H, Kang JH, Kim SH, Kim JH, et al.. Retroperitoneal cystic masses: CT, clinical, and pathologic findings and literature review. Radiographics. 2004. PMID 15371613 · DOI
- Chan YC, Morales JP, Reidy JF, Taylor PR. Management of spontaneous and iatrogenic retroperitoneal haemorrhage: conservative management, endovascular intervention or open surgery?. Int J Clin Pract. 2008. PMID 17949429 · DOI
- Del Frate C, Girometti R, Pittino M, Del Frate G, Bazzocchi M, Zuiani C. Deep retroperitoneal pelvic endometriosis: MR imaging appearance with laparoscopic correlation. Radiographics. 2006. PMID 17102045 · DOI
- Tirkes T, Sandrasegaran K, Patel AA, Hollar MA, Tejada JG, Tann M, et al.. Peritoneal and retroperitoneal anatomy and its relevance for cross-sectional imaging. Radiographics. 2012. PMID 22411941 · DOI
- Shaaban AM, Rezvani M, Tubay M, Elsayes KM, Woodward PJ, Menias CO. Fat-containing Retroperitoneal Lesions: Imaging Characteristics, Localization, and Differential Diagnosis. Radiographics. 2016. PMID 27163589 · DOI
- González C, Penado S, Llata L, Valero C, Riancho JA. The clinical spectrum of retroperitoneal hematoma in anticoagulated patients. Medicine (Baltimore). 2003. PMID 12861103 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.