Precordial auscultatory findings in pneumoperitoneum

A case is reported of a patient in whom a loud precordial click developed postoperatively. The new sound was attributed to pneumoperitoneum. A series of 17 patients is presented who underwent elective surgical procedures that produce pneumoperitoneum. Postoperative precordial auscultation revealed abnormalities in nine which included sounds mimicking clicks or gallops and changes in intensity of previously normal heart sounds. Thus, pneumoperitoneum can produce abnormal precordial auscultatory findings.