Pneumoperitoneum and appendicitis.
Pneumoperitoneum was observed in five patients with acute perforative appendicitis (APA). In each case this radiographic observation led to an incorrect diagnosis. Free intraperitoneal gas is found in a small number of patients with APA and has no apparent effect on the course or prognosis of the disease.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography