Acute Perforation of the Gastrointestinal Tract By Parswa Ansari, MD, Hofstra Northwell-Lenox Hill Hospital, New York Reviewed / Revised Apr 2023 View Patient Education Etiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Free Air CT With Free Peritoneal Air Some Causes of Gastrointestinal... Any part of the gastrointestinal tract may become perforated, releasing gastric or intestinal contents into the peritoneal space.