A Case of Panperitonitis Caused by Spontaneous Bladder Rupture

A female septuagenarian had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus for more than 20 years. She had persistent pyuria, but did not seek further examination. In 2019, she was transported to our hospital by ambulance for sudden abdominal pain. Physical examination showed a sign of panperitonitis with sepsis. Computed tomography showed ascites and intraperitoneal free air. In addition, there was also a defect in the bladder wall, suggesting bladder rupture. Blood tests showed a marked increase in serum creatinine in addition to increased inflammatory reactants. Because perforation of gastrointestinal tract could not be excluded, an emergency laparotomy was performed. An intraperitoneal perforation of the posterior wall of the bladder was revealed, though there was no intestinal damage. The bladder wall was repaired and cystostomy was performed followed by irrigation and drainage of the abdominal cavity. After the operation, her abdominal symptom resolved and her general status improved. We speculated that voiding disturbance due to neurogenic bladder associated with diabetes mellitus and chronic infection caused the spontaneous bladder rupture. Most cases of spontaneous bladder rupture are associated with a history of pelvic surgery or irradiation, which suggests that this case is extremely rare. In patients with repeated urinary tract infection and underlying disease affecting bladder function, evaluation and appropriate management of bladder dysfunction should be performed ; otherwise, spontaneous bladder rupture may occur.