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Pneumoperitoneum is pneumatosis (abnormal presence of air or other gas) in the peritoneal cavity, a potential space within the abdominal cavity.The most common cause is a perforated abdominal organ, generally from a perforated peptic ulcer, although any part of the bowel may perforate from a benign ulcer, tumor or abdominal trauma.
Complications include a painful inflammation of the inner lining of the abdominal wall and sepsis. Perforation may be caused by trauma, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, stomach ulcers, cancer, or infection. [2] A CT scan is the preferred method of diagnosis; however, free air from a perforation can often be seen on plain X-ray. [2]
An abdominal x-ray may show free air in the abdominal cavity due to a perforation in the gastrointestinal tract. However, abdominal x-ray is not recommended as part of the diagnostic evaluation in acute abdomen due to its low sensitivity and specificity.
Abdominal distension occurs when substances, such as air (gas) or fluid, accumulate in the abdomen causing its expansion. [1] It is typically a symptom of an underlying disease or dysfunction in the body, rather than an illness in its own right. People with this condition often describe it as "feeling bloated ".
Abdominal trauma. Abdominal trauma is an injury to the abdomen. Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, tenderness, rigidity, and bruising of the external abdomen. Complications may include blood loss and infection. Diagnosis may involve ultrasonography, computed tomography, and peritoneal lavage, and treatment may involve surgery. [1]
Bowel obstruction, also known as intestinal obstruction, is a mechanical or functional obstruction of the intestines which prevents the normal movement of the products of digestion. [ 2 ][ 5 ] Either the small bowel or large bowel may be affected. [ 1 ] Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating and not passing gas. [ 1 ]
A pneumothorax is an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall. [ 3 ] Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sharp, one-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. [ 2 ] In a minority of cases, a one-way valve is formed by an area of damaged tissue, and the amount of air in the space between chest ...
A small crescent of air can be seen under the right part of the diaphragm, caused by Chilaiditi's sign. However, it could easily be mistaken for free intra-abdominal air (pneumoperitoneum) which could mistakenly be attributed to bowel perforation. Chilaiditi syndrome is a rare condition when pain occurs due to transposition of a loop of large ...