Pneumoperitoneum following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) had been described as a rare complication. Pneumoperitoneum after CPR could be due to gastric perforation or intrathoracic air tracking into the abdominal cavity via the diaphragm as a result of bag-valve-mask ventilation, external chest compression or improper intubation. In most reported cases, the specific injuries could be identified. We reported an unusual case of pneumoperitoneum following CPR in which the specific cause was not definitely established. Emergency physicians should be aware of the mechanism and clinical signs suggesting of pneumoperitoneum during or after CPR.
LundbergG.D., MatteiI.R., DavisC.J., NelsonD.E.Hemorrhage from gastroesophageal lacerations following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. JAMA1967; 202(3): 195–8.
4.
OhC.M., HewittP.M.Gastric rupture due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Injury1998; 29(5): 399–400.
5.
SpoormansI., Van HoorenbeeckK., BalliuL., JorensP.G.Gastric perforation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: review of the literature. Resuscitation2010; 81(3); 272–80.
6.
ParkeT.R.Unexplained pneumoperitoneum in association with basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts. Resuscitation1993; 26(2); 177–81.
7.
AtchesonS.G., PetersenG.V., FredH.L.Ill-effects of cardiac resuscitation: report of two unusual cases. Chest1975; 67(5): 615–6.
8.
KrauseS., DonenN.Gastric rupture during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Can Anaesth Soc J1984; 31(3 Pt1): 319–22.
9.
MilanchiS.Approach to pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. J Trauma2006; 61(6): 1552–3.
