Pneumoperitoneum in a sports diver

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Diving Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum is an uncommon condition.
• It is typically associated with gastrointestinal or pulmonary barotrauma.
• Understanding its causes is crucial for appropriate management.

Observation:

• A case report of a diver experiencing a massive pneumoperitoneum.
• The diver presented with no evidence of gastrointestinal or pulmonary barotrauma.
• This presentation is unusual given the typical etiologies.

Findings:

• The diver's condition suggests potential alternative causes for spontaneous pneumoperitoneum.
• This case challenges the established understanding of pneumoperitoneum development in barotrauma.
• Further investigation into non-traditional causes is warranted.

Implications:

• This case may broaden the differential diagnosis for spontaneous pneumoperitoneum.
• It underscores the need to consider diving-specific factors in barotrauma cases.
• Clinicians should be aware of this unusual presentation in divers.