Right-Sided Pneumothorax Associated with Pneumoperitoneum Subsequent to Transverse Colon Perforation: Case Report

Abstract

Pneumothorax can be spontaneous or secondary to a pre-existing disorder or trauma. Pneumothorax associated with pneumoperitoneum without thoraco-abdominal communication is a rare event poorly described in the literature. We report the case of a 73-year-old patient undergoing abdominal debulking surgery for advanced stage ovarian cancer complicated by a pneumoperitoneum and a right-sided pneumothorax without hernia or evidence of diaphragmatic trauma. Several physio-pathological hypotheses have been suggested, including a potential COVID-19 infection without clear etiology. Our case report emphasizes the possible association of pneumothorax with pneumoperitoneum related to a colon perforation without visible diaphragmatic or mediastinal defects.