Journal of the Korean Radiological Society  1992;28(1):108-111

doi:10.3348/jkrs.1992.28.1.108

Retroperitoneal duodenal rupture: role of the plain abdomen.

Pyo Nyun KIM ; Won Su CHO ; Kyung Soo LEE ; Il Young KIM ; Young Moo GOO ; Moo Sik CHO

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Retroperitoneal duodenal rupture is rare and is often difficult to diagnose on the plain abdominal x-ray. From a review of the plain abdomen films of 21 cases with retroperitoneal duodenal rupture, confirmed by operation, pneumoretroperitoneum was revealed in 16 cases; Air in the peritoneum was manifested as a bubbly shadow in 12 cases, a renal halo in 9 cases, air shadow along the right psoas margin in 2 cases, air along the diaphragmatic crus in 2 cases and air in the right properitoneal fat in 2 cases, US and CT also revealed air bubbles and fluid collection around the right kidney. We recommend the plain abdomen as a useful diagnostic method for detection of pneumoretroperitoneum.