A Non-Surgical Condition of Neonatal Pneumoperitoneum: Retroperitoneal Free Air Secondary to Massive Tension Pneumothorax

Abstract

Pneumoperitoneum in newborns is usually an emergent surgical condition which indicates alimentary tract perforation and therefore threatens the life. However, there are some non-surgical conditions causing pneumoperitoneum which do not require the explorative laparotomy. This report describes a rare case of neonate with pneumoperitoneum developed secondary to massive tension pneumothorax. Resolution of the free air in the retroperitoneal space was observed after tube thoracostomy. This case report suggests that massive tension pneumothorax can be a rare cause of non-surgical pneumoperitoneum.




J Med Cases. 2016;7(1):13-14
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2371w