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Introduction
Pneumoperitoneum refers to the presence of free gas within the peritoneal cavity.
The plain films signs of pneumoperitoneum are both diverse and sometimes
difficult to identify. This page provides an overview of the plain film diagnosis of
pneumoperitoneum.
“The Radiological signs of pneumoperitoneum are among the most important signs in radiology,
indeed in Medicine. Sometimes the amount of free gas is small and you may have to work to
demonstrate it (i.e. modify the film technique). Miss it and the patient may die”
Abdominal X-rays made easy. 2nd edition, James D. Begg
Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier, 2006
p94
Triangular in shape
concave medial border
positioned inferior to the right 11th rib
positioned superior to the right kidney
http://bp3.blogger.com/_iAsK5lmVXqM/Rpn6Q091zNI/AAAAAAAAAQE/
qDaIjgpsZa4/s320/doge.jpg
Morrison’s pouch free gas
demonstrated on supine
Radiographs typically show the
following Characteristics
1.Typically triangular shaped
2.The lower lateral corner is
commonly sharp
3.The lateral border is typically
concave and outlines the medial
border of the liver
4.It is positioned inferior to
the 11thrib
5.It is positioned superior to
the right kidney
3. Air Anterior to Ventral Surface of Liver(RUQ sign 3)
This patient is
in the left
lateral
decubitus
position. It is
conventional in
radiography to
mark the side
the side that
is up.
There is
evidence of
free air
between the
abdominal wall
and the liver
(white arrow).
There is also
evidence of
free fluid in
the peritoneum
(black arrow).
5. Rigler’s Sign on supine AXR
http://shop.sportsmanswarehouse.com.au/images/product_images/16
60/foot001.jpg
John W. Rampton, MD
The Football Sign
(Radiology 2004;231:81-82.)RSNA, 2004
8. Continuous Diaphragm Sign
Another
manifestation of
massive
pneumoperitoneum
is the continuous
diaphragm sign.
Where there is
sufficient air
beneath the
diaphragm, the
continuous nature
of the diaphragm
is demonstrated.
Note that the left
and right
hemidiaphragms
contrasted by the
free gas appear as
a continuous
structure.
This image of
free gas has a
cupola sign
(white arrows)
and a lesser
sac gas sign
(black arrows).
The lesser sac
is positioned
posterior to
the stomach
and is usually a
potential
space. There is
free
connection
between the
lesser sac and
the greater
sac through
the foramen of
Winslow.
12. The Triangle Sign
This patient
has an abscess
(proven on CT).
The arrowed
bubbles of gas
are suspicious
in that they
are not clearly
contained
within normal
hollow
abdominal
viscus. If they
were, for
example,
contained
within the
colon, they
would tend to
be aligned in a
more linear
fashion and
may outline
normal
haustral
features.
14. Pneumoretroperitoneum
This is a supine bedside chest X-ray image post intubation. At a cursary glance
there may appear to be air under the right hemidiaphragm
This is in fact air above the diaphragm rather than under it. This patient has a
right sided pneumothorax with a deep sulcus sign. The pneumothorax is also visible
at the right lung apex (arrowed)
Discussion
Pneumoperitoneum is an important plain film finding. Untreated, pneumoperitoneum
has poor morbidity and mortality outcomes. Radiographers who are familiar with
the plain film appearances of pneumoperitoneum, particularly the supine
appearances, are more likely to undertake supplementary views to concusively
demonstrate the pathology. Moreover, they will also have the opportunity to report
the finding immediately to the referring doctor.