A 45-year-old man has sudden severe epigastric pain and a rigid abdomen. An erect chest X-ray shows free air under the diaphragm. What is the likely diagnosis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Perforated peptic ulcer
- Step 1: Free gas under the diaphragm means perforation of a hollow viscus.
- Step 2: A rigid abdomen with free air suggests perforated ulcer.
Answer
Perforated peptic ulcer.
Why not the others: Irritable bowel syndrome: IBS does not cause a rigid abdomen. Chronic cholecystitis: Chronic gallbladder disease does not cause peritonitis. Acute appendicitis: Appendicitis does not usually give subdiaphragmatic gas.
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