Pneumoperitoneum

Pneumoperitoneum:

Plain Film:

1-Erect:Free gas under diaphragm(at least 10 minutes standing before taking film).

2-Supine:Gas outline both sides of the bowel wall which appears as white line.

Causes:

1- Perforation:

-Peptic ulcer.

-Inflammation: as in diverticulitis,appendicitis and necrotizing enterocolitis.

-Infarction.

-Pneumatosis coli

2-Iatrogenic.

3-Pneumomediastinum.

4-Pneumothorax.

5-Introduction per vagina.

6-Idiopathic.