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Case Reports
. 2021 Dec 28;35(2):224-226.
doi: 10.1080/08998280.2021.2013148. eCollection 2022.

Idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum

Anasua Deb  1 , Binita Ghosh  2 , Annia Cavazos  1 , Busara Songtanin  1 , Natnicha Leelaviwat  1 , Kenneth Nugent  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum

Anasua Deb et al. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). .

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum is the presence of free air in the peritoneum without evidence of any perforation of hollow viscera. The usual presentation includes acute abdominal pain with leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers. Here we present a case of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum occurring recurrently in a 58-year-old man with inclusion body myositis and hypertension who presented with cellulitis of both legs. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated retroperitoneal free air; however, colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and a prior laparoscopy did not demonstrate any perforation of hollow viscera. Conservative management with antibiotics and symptom control with antiemetics and pain medicines led to clinical improvement, and the patient was discharged home in stable condition.

Keywords: Recurrence; spontaneous pneumoperitoneum.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Abdominal CT scan showing free retroperitoneal air in the (a) sagittal and (b) coronal view.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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