Idiopathic pneumoperitoneum in infants: A management dilemma and a literature review

Idiopathic pneumoperitoneum is a rare, benign condition that mimics gastrointestinal perforation on radiographic imaging. Differentiating between medical and surgical pneumoperitoneum is challenging but crucial.We report a case of a 3-month-old boy who presented with massive pneumoperitoneum. The X-...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Arije Zouaoui, Yasmine Houas, Fatma Thamri, Senda Houidi, Riadh Jouini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Radiology Case Reports
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1930043325004637
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Summary:Idiopathic pneumoperitoneum is a rare, benign condition that mimics gastrointestinal perforation on radiographic imaging. Differentiating between medical and surgical pneumoperitoneum is challenging but crucial.We report a case of a 3-month-old boy who presented with massive pneumoperitoneum. The X-ray showed the pathognomonic “football sign.” Idiopathic pneumoperitoneum was not initially considered, leading to surgical intervention.Spontaneous idiopathic pneumoperitoneum is rare beyond the neonatal period. Awareness of this condition, especially in specific scenarios such as mechanical ventilation or concurrent pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum, should be raised to avoid unnecessary and potentially risky surgery.
ISSN:1930-0433