Subdiaphragmatic Air
October 21st, 2019
Overview
Look For
- Air visible below the diaphragm. This should not be confused with the gastric bubble.
This is best seen on an erect chest x-ray.
Significance
- An indicator of pneumoperitoneum.
Example
- Pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum in a post-trauma patient
![Pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum in a post-trauma patient]()
Causes
- Hollow visceral perforation - GI trauma, perforated ulcer, iatrogenic
- Air trapping post abdominal surgery
- Peritoneal dialysis
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