Perforated peptic ulcer imaged directly by computed tomography

Abstract

Perforation occurs in 10% of patients with peptic ulcer. Computed tomography (CT) may show free intraperitoneal gas and/or extravasation of oral contrast. While the location of the free gas or contrast may suggest the site of perforation, the perforation itself is difficult to demonstrate. We present a case of perforated ulcer in which the perforation was imaged directly by CT.