[False radiologic pneumoperitoneum. The value of emergency abdominal computed tomography]

Abstract

We report 2 cases of false pneumoperitoneum. The diagnosis was suspected on an upright chest or abdominal plain films. The absence of clinical signs and symptoms of peritoneal irritation suggested a wrong radiological diagnosis. Emergency CT scan definitely eliminated a pneumoperitoneum and suggested the right diagnosis in both cases. This exam may play the decisive role in preventing needless emergency laparotomy.