title: Pneumoperitoneum and appendicitis.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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