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Leaping dolphin sign

Case contributed by Fateme Hosseinabadi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Acute abdominal pain

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Erect CXR demonstrating a moderate to large volume of pneumoperitoneum consistent with the leaping dolphin sign in the left upper quadrant.

Case Discussion

Collection of intraperitoneal moderate to large volume of free air beneath the arcuate slips of diaphragm mimics the parallel arcs of dolphins leaping in tandem. This sign is more often found in the right upper quadrant but occasionally can be seen on the left side.

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