CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is the term for gas in the peritoneal cavity?

1. Pneumothorax

2. Pneumoperitoneum

3. Pneumomediastinum

4. Pneumonitis

The correct answer is: Pneumoperitoneum

The term for gas found in the peritoneal cavity is pneumoperitoneum. This condition often arises due to a perforation of a hollow organ, such as the stomach or intestines, which allows air to escape into the abdominal cavity. The presence of gas in this area can be visualized through abdominal imaging techniques, and its identification is critical for determining the need for surgical intervention, especially in emergency settings. Pneumothorax refers to air in the pleural space surrounding the lungs, which is a different anatomical location and involves respiratory complications. Pneumomediastinum involves the presence of air in the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, and is unrelated to the abdominal cavity. Pneumonitis describes inflammation of the lung tissue, often due to infection or irritants, not the presence of gas in any cavity. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately diagnosing and managing conditions related to gas in various body cavities.