Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: September 22, 2023
Shifting Gas Artefact Sign: Early sonographic detection of pneumoperitoneum
1Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. paul.gee@cdhb.govt.nz
Abstract:
This case report describes the use of ultrasound to diagnose pneumoperitoneum in an unstable patient with abdominal pain. Gas in peritoneum produces a specific sonographic appearance. The use of dynamic manoeuvres improves confidence in the ultrasound diagnosis of free gas. The Shifting Gas Artefact Sign is explained. The literature on sonographic detection of pneumoperitoneum is reviewed. The detection of pneumoperitoneum is a significant finding in non-traumatic abdominal pain and also in blunt abdominal trauma. In both settings more research is required to validate the utility of the test in the acute setting.
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