Descriptive epidemiology of peritoneal carcinosis of gastrointestinal origin at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca (2008-2010)]

Introduction: Peritoneal carcinosis is characterized by ineluctably terminal diffuse spread of abdominal cancer. It is the sign of an advanced disease or a re-emerging disease most often associated with a dark prognosis. Approximately two thirds of all peritoneal carcinomas are of gastrointestinal origin and one third are of non-digestive origin. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study between January 2008 and December 2010 in order to establish epidemiological features and risk factors of peritoneal carcinosis of gastrointestinal origin at the Ibn Rochd University hospital, Casablanca. Results: Forty-seven cases of peritoneal carcinosis of gastrointestinal origin were recorded (22 women, 25 men), corresponding to a prevalence of 6.19% and to a mean number of 15.6 cases per year. Age was the major risk factor in our case series (with an average age of 55.55 +/- 12.32 years). Even family history was a risk factor to consider. Conclusion: This study concluded that the major risk factors for peritoneal carcinosis of digestive origin are age and family history at the Ibn Rochd University hospital, Casablanca (2008-2010).