Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum

  • Published:
Gastrointestinal Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The radiographic evidence of free air in the abdomen is usually associated with gastrointestinal perforations which represent a surgical emergency. However, pneumoperitoneum may also develop in a variety of benign conditions and following diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. This article provides a comprehensive list of nonsurgical causes of pneumoperitoneum.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Aboulker C, Flandin JM, Palayodan A, Bell M: A new technique: for research on pneumoperitoneum.J Radiol Electrol 58:171–172, 1977

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Miller RE, Nelson SW: The roentgenologic demonstration of tiny amounts of free intraperitoneal gas: experimental and clinical studies.Am J Roentgenol Radium Ther Nucl Med 112:574–585, 1971

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Hodges P, Miller RE: Intestinal obstruction.Am J Roentgenol Radium Ther Nucl Med 74:1015, 1955

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Miller RE: The radiological evaluation of intaperitoneal gas (pneumoperitoneum).CRC Crit Rev Radiol Sci: 61–85, 1973

  5. Freeman RK: Pneumoperitoneum from oral-genital insufflation.Obstet Gynecol 36:162–163, 1970

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Turner WW, Fry WJ: Pneumoperitoneum complicating mechanical ventilator therapy.Arch Surg 112:723–726, 1977

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Rose DM, Jarczyle PA: Spontaneous pneumopertioneum after scuba diving.JAMA 239:233, 1978

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Cass JS, Dow EC, Brooks JR: Pneumoperitoneum following pelvis examination.Am J Gastroenterol 45:209–211, 1966

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Lozman H, Newman AJ: Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum occurring in postpartum exercises in the knee-chest position.Am J Obstet Gynecol 72:903, 1956

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Aronson ME, Nelson PK: Fatal air embolism in pregnancy resulting from an unusual sexual act.Obstet Gynecol 30:127–130, 1967

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Ashai S et al: Pneumoperitoneum secondary to cunnilingus.N Engl J Med 295:117, 1976

    Google Scholar 

  12. Benjamin H: A case of fatal air embolism through an unusual sexual act.J Clin Psychopathol 7:815–820, 1946

    Google Scholar 

  13. Banyai AL: Direct and indirect pneumoperitoneum incidental to artificial pneumothorax.Am J Med Sci 186:513–518, 1933

    Google Scholar 

  14. Kreger N, Littman L: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinorum.N Engl J Med 251:779, 1954

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Meihoff WE, Hirschfield JS, Kern F: Small intestinal scleroderma with malabsorption and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis.JAMA 204:854–858, 1968

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Clavadetscher P, Binkert D, Wellauer J: Complications of cutaneous scleroderjna.JAMA 232:390–391, 1975

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Horwitz MA, Bennett JV: Nursery outbreak of peritonitis with pneumoperitoneum probably caused by therometer-induced rectal perforation.Am J Epidemiol 104:632–644, 1976

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Dunn V, Nelson JA: Jejunal diverticulosis and chronic pneumoperitoneum.Gastrointest Radiol 4:165–168, 1979

    Google Scholar 

  19. Felson B, Wiot JF: Another look at pneumoperitoneum.Semin Roentgenol 8:437–443, 1973

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Indiana University Medical Center, 1100 West Michigan Street, 46223, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

    Roscoe E. Miller M.D., Gary J. Becker & Robert D. Slabaugh

Authors
  1. Roscoe E. Miller M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gary J. Becker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Robert D. Slabaugh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Miller, R.E., Becker, G.J. & Slabaugh, R.D. Nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum. Gastrointest Radiol 6, 73–74 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01890224

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01890224

Key words

Search

Navigation