UNEXPLAINED PNEUMOPERITONEUM IN ASSOCIATION WITH BASIC CARDIOPULMONARY-RESUSCITATION EFFORTS

During the mouth to mouth ventilation of basic life support, the high inflation pressures generated may result in later complications. Pulmo nary barotrauma may result in pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum, and h igh pressures applied to the gastrointestinal tract may lead to gastri c rupture and pneumoperitoneum. A case is reported of pneumoperitoneum in the absence of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum or gastrointestinal perforation and the literature relating to this unusual condition is reviewed.