title: [Pneumoperitoneum and pneumoretroperitoneum without perforation].
abstract: Asymptomatic radiologically recognised pneumoperitoneum still remains a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma, because free intraperitoneal air is not necessarily caused by alimentary tract perforation. We present two cases of nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum (caused by pneumomediastinum and pneumatosis intestinalis cystoides) and their typical radiologic findings. Other causes of pneumoperitoneum that do not necessitate laparotomy so as cited in the radiologic and surgical literature are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Allgemeine Röntgendiagnostik, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität Frankfurt/Main.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kirchner
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lorenz
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heyd
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gute
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jacobi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012188:Retropneumoperitoneum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery