Pneumoperitoneum secondary to tubo-ovarian abscess: A case report

Pneumoperitoneum seen on an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) image points to a diagnosis of ruptured viscus and immediate surgery is warranted. A case of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) presenting with pneumoperitoneum is unusual. Very few cases have been reported where the pneumoperitoneum is caused by an abscess involving the adnexa. We present the case of a 17-year-old patient who presented with acute abdomen and raised inflammatory markers and had laparoscopy for suspected bowel perforation based on the finding of pneumoperitoneum on CT scan. Bowel perforation was ruled out and the findings were consistent with TOA. She had drainage of the abscess, subsequently received intravenous antibiotics and postoperatively recovered well. The pneumoperitoneum could have been due to coinfection with E. coli, as the patient had had a urinary tract infection due to E. coli three weeks before presentation, or slow leakage of the TOA. In conclusion, gas under the diaphragm can be related to non-bowel-related gynaecological pathology, but it vital to rule out sinister causes.