Abstract
Massive pneumoperitoneum developing immediately following initiation of artificial ventilation is an unusual sign of pulmonary barotrauma, and must be distinguished from pneumoperitoneum following rupture of a hollow abdominal viscus. We present a case of massive pneumoperitoneum and scrotal pneumatocele which we attributed to pulmonary barotrauma after excluding other causes. Awareness of this entity will enable early diagnosis and avoid unnecessary laparotomy.
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Beilin, B., Shulman, D.L., Weiss, A.T. et al. Pneumoperitoneum as the presenting sign of pulmonary barotrauma during artificial ventilation. Intensive Care Med 12, 49–51 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00315373
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00315373