X-RayAbdomenIntermediate

Pneumoperitoneum (Rigler sign)

abdomenperforationemergencyfree airriglergastrointestinal

Clinical presentation

Patient with sudden severe abdominal pain and rigidity, a history of peptic ulcer disease and NSAID use.

Key imaging findings

  • Rigler (double-wall) sign: gas outlining both sides of the bowel wall
  • Free subdiaphragmatic gas on an erect chest radiograph
  • Falciform ligament sign — the ligament outlined by free air
  • Football sign in large-volume pneumoperitoneum

Form your diagnosis, then reveal the answer.

Educational teaching content only. Imaging appearances vary; always correlate clinically and confirm with a qualified radiologist.