Pneumoperitoneum from Subcutaneous Emphysema after Blunt Chest Injury

ABSTRACT

Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum can cause pneumoperitoneum, which does not require surgery. There are unverified theories pertaining to how air passes through the diaphragm. We report a case of pneumoperitoneum caused by blunt chest injury that was successfully managed with conservative care. Although the pneumoperitoneum was caused by thoracic injury, we believe that the air did not pass through the diaphragm, but instead came from the abdominal wall, as in subcutaneous emphysema.