Radiologic and Anatomic Study of the Extraperitoneal Space Associated With the Rectum

Abstract

The extraperitoneal segment of the rectum and its surrounding adipose tissue are encased by a fascia, like a sleeve, that can be seen on CT and MRI in healthy populations. The fascia divides the rectal extraperitoneal space into the perirectal space and pararectal space, and it may prevent lesions of the rectum from spreading to other pelvic extraperitoneal spaces.