Sonographic Evaluation and Monitoring of Pneumoperitoneum After Air Enema Reduction for Intussusception

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2019 Jul;35(7):e133-e134. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000001433.

Abstract

Abdominal radiography and computed tomography scans are standard tests to diagnose pneumoperitoneum. With the growing availability of point-of-care ultrasound, pneumoperitoneum may be diagnosed in settings without easy access to radiography or computed tomography, such as in overcrowded emergency departments or resource-poor environments. The use of point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose or monitor pneumoperitoneum has been described in adult but not pediatric patients. We present a case of point-of-care ultrasound detection of pneumoperitoneum and monitoring for tension pneumoperitoneum, after failed air enema reduction for intussusception in an infant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Enema / adverse effects*
  • Enema / methods
  • Humans
  • Ileal Diseases / therapy*
  • Infant
  • Intussusception / therapy*
  • Male
  • Pneumoperitoneum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumoperitoneum / etiology
  • Point-of-Care Testing*
  • Ultrasonography*