Rare cause of pneumoperitoneum: perforated appendicitis mimicking upper gastrointestinal perforation

Chua Ian Bin; Theebanraja Ramalingam

doi:10.18203/2349-2902.isj20263857

Authors

Chua Ian Bin Department of Department of General Surgery, Malaysia, National University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Theebanraja Ramalingam Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Department of General Surgery, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20263857

Keywords:

Pneumoperitoneum, Acute abdomen, Perforated appendicitis

Abstract

Pneumoperitoneaum is seen in perforated hollow viscus but is a rare presentation in cases of perforated appendicitis. It accounts for 0-7% of patients with pneumoperitoneum. We report on a 24 year old male with epigastric pain for 4 days, demonstrating air under diaphragm on an erect chest X-ray. This case highlights that perforated appendicitis although rarely associated with pneumoperitoneum, must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute abdomen.

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