Benign pneumoperitoneum associated with pneumomediastinum and pneumoretroperitoneum in ambulatory outpatients

Perforation of a hollow viscus and other dangerous etiologies must always b e considered in the evaluation of free peritoneal air., Pneumoperitoneum in the presence of pneumoretroperitoneum and pneumomediastinum, however, ofte n results from air tracking from a pathologic source outside of the abdomen along the mesentery into the peritoneum. This syndrome is relatively benig n, and should be considered when there are multiple sites of extraluminal a ir in order to minimize the risk of unnecessary exploratory laparotomy, Two cases of benign pneumoperitoneum associated with pneumomediastinum and pne umoretroperitoneum are presented, (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.