Pneumoperitoneum following tension pneumothorax. Report of two cases

Abstract

Two cases of pneumoperitoneum following tension pneumothorax are described. Lungs in both patients had identifiable pathology and were ventilated with high inflation pressure and moderate positive end-expired pressure (PEEP). Laparotomy was performed in both patients with no evidence of intra-abdominal viscus perforations. A possible mechanism for the production of pneumoperitoneum is discussed.