Pneumoperitoneum (Abdomen and Pelvis)

Question 1

Free air in the peritoneal cavity is most commonly caused by what?

Answer 1

Duodenal or gastric ulcer perforation.

Question 2

Postoperative pneumoperitoneum usually resolves in how many days?

Answer 2

3 to 4 days

Question 3

In postoperative pneumoperitoneum.

Failure of progressive resolution, or an increase in the amount of air is suggestive of what?

Answer 3

Leak of bowel anastomoses or sepsis.

Question 4

Pneumoperitoneum in the absence of a ruptured viscus may occur with what processes?

Answer 4

Air introduced through the female genital tract by orogenital insufflation or in association with pulmonary emphysema, alveolar rupture, and dissection of air into the peritoneal cavity.

Question 5

Radiograph view that is most sensitive for free air

Answer 5

Upright chest radiograph

Question 6

Good place to look for pneumoperitoneum in CT.

Answer 6

Peritoneal recess between the liver and diaphragm.