air under the diaphragm on the erect chest radiograph

Last reviewed 01/2018

Causes include:

  • perforated viscus e.g. perforated duodenal ulcer, perforated diverticulum
  • iatrogenic e.g. post surgery
  • bacteria - gas producing infections
  • air originating from the lung e.g. fistula
  • gynaecological e.g. abortion, water skiing
  • peritoneal dialysis