[Retroperitoneal gas images following subperitoneal hollow viscus rupture (author's transl)]

Three cases of traumatic rupture of a subperitoneal hollow viscus are reported : two duodenal lesions and one rectal wound. Early diagnosis was possible in all three cases by the recognition of retroperitoneal gas on simple radiographs of the abdomen, which was evidenced by images containing air bubbles, which were also fasciculated and fairly fixed. They were unilateral, on the right side, and usually associated with disappearance of the psoas shadow in duodenal injuries. Rectal perforation produces a bilateral distribution of the retroperitoneal gas, which extends to the subperitoneal fat and the posterior extraperitoneal space, according to the amount of effusion.