Case Report
Published: Dec 01, 2025 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr.9-2315
Massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report
Authors: Pieter-Jan Moonen , Marc Vanhoof , Eva Boonen , Filiep Soetens ,
Article Info
Authors
Pieter-Jan Moonen
AZ Turnhout Department of Emergency Medicine
Marc Vanhoof
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Turnhout, Belgium
Eva Boonen
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Turnhout, Belgium
Filiep Soetens
Department of Emergency Medicine, Turnhout, Belgium
Publication History
Received: July 31, 2025
Accepted: October 13, 2025
Published: December 01, 2025
Abstract
Background: Complications from cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) are common and can add to morbidity and mortality. A pneumoperitoneum after CPR is an uncommon complication. The majority of previously reported cases of gastric perforation after CPR were associated with difficult airway management or positive pressure ventilation in association with chest compressions.
Case Presentation: We present a case of a massive pneumoperitoneum in a 53-year-old woman after resuscitation following attempted hanging. During and following basic and advanced life support, a massive swelling of the abdomen due to massive pneumoperitoneum was observed, most likely caused by gastric perforation after bag-valve mask ventilation on an obstructed airway. The pneumoperitoneum resolved after conservative measures and insertion of an intra-abdominal drain; no surgery was necessary. The patient made a good and full recovery.
Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining vigilance for gastric perforation with abdominal distention after CPR, in particular when difficult airway management is encountered. Prevention of gastric dilation and perforation can be achieved by diligent airway management and prevention of high inspiratory pressures. Conservative management using only an abdominal drain can be effective in selected cases when perforation is limited and in the absence of peritonitis.
Keywords: Resuscitation, Pneumoperitoneum, bag-valve mask ventilation, airway obstruction, prevention, conservative management
Pubmed Style
Pieter-Jan Moonen, Marc Vanhoof, Eva Boonen, Filiep Soetens. Massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report. EJMCR. 2025; 01 (December 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2315
Web Style
Pieter-Jan Moonen, Marc Vanhoof, Eva Boonen, Filiep Soetens. Massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report. https://ejmcr.com/articles/2315 [Access: December 19, 2025]. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2315
AMA (American Medical Association) Style
Pieter-Jan Moonen, Marc Vanhoof, Eva Boonen, Filiep Soetens. Massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report. EJMCR. 2025; 01 (December 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2315
Vancouver/ICMJE Style
Pieter-Jan Moonen, Marc Vanhoof, Eva Boonen, Filiep Soetens. Massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report. EJMCR. (2025), [cited December 19, 2025]; 01 (December 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2315
Harvard Style
Pieter-Jan Moonen, Marc Vanhoof, Eva Boonen, Filiep Soetens (2025) Massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report. EJMCR, 01 (December 2025): -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2315
Chicago Style
Pieter-Jan Moonen, Marc Vanhoof, Eva Boonen, Filiep Soetens. "Massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report." 01 (2025), -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2315
MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style
Pieter-Jan Moonen, Marc Vanhoof, Eva Boonen, Filiep Soetens. "Massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report." 01.December 2025 (2025), -. Print. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2315
APA (American Psychological Association) Style
Pieter-Jan Moonen, Marc Vanhoof, Eva Boonen, Filiep Soetens (2025) Massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report. , 01 (December 2025), -. doi:10.24911/ejmcr.9-2315