Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis with Non-surgical Encapsulated Pneumoperitoneum: Case Presentation and Literature Review

Introduction: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare entity characterized by cysts or air bubbles in the intestinal wall, usually asymptomatic. Its uncomplicated forms are managed conservatively, and the severe ones require surgical intervention. The presence of pneumoperitoneum is a disturbing radiological finding but not an indicator of surgical intervention. Clinical case: A 23-year-old man presented with weight loss, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding; a colonoscopy showed multiple violaceous cysts in the sigmoid and descending colon that collapsed after puncture and biopsies. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the diagnosis and the presence of an encapsulated pneumoperitoneum. The absence of signs of potential lethality allowed conservative treatment with clinical remission during the first eight months of follow-up. Discussion: The pathophysiology of PCI is not well defined. Our patient's diagnosis was incidental when performing a colonoscopy for rectal bleeding. Asymptomatic encapsulated pneumoperitoneum should be interpreted as an important but not decisive sign of surgical intervention. Its presence, along with the medical history and physical, biochemical, endoscopic, and imaging examination, can prevent unnecessary surgery.

Introducción: la neumatosis quística intestinal es una entidad infrecuente, caracterizada por la presencia de quistes o burbujas de aire en la pared intestinal, usualmente asintomática. Sus formas no complicadas son manejadas conservadoramente y las graves requieren intervención quirúrgica. La presencia de neumoperitoneo es un hallazgo radiológico inquietante, pero no es indicador de intervención quirúrgica. Caso clínico: hombre de 23 años con pérdida de peso, diarrea y rectorragia, la colonoscopia mostró múltiples quistes violáceos localizados en el sigmoide y descendente que colapsaron tras la punción y biopsias, la tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) confirmó el diagnóstico y la presencia de un neumoperitoneo encapsulado. La ausencia de signos de potencial letalidad permitió un tratamiento conservador con remisión clínica durante los primeros 8 meses de seguimiento. Discusión: la fisiopatología de la neumatosis quística intestinal no está bien definida. En el paciente presentado el diagnóstico se realizó de forma incidental al realizar una colonoscopia por una rectorragia. El neumoperitoneo asintomático encapsulado debe interpretarse como un signo importante pero no determinante de intervención quirúrgica y su presencia junto con los antecedentes médicos, examen físico, bioquímico, endoscópico e imagenológico puede evitar cirugías innecesarias.

Clinical analysis of 60 patients with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in the Tibetan Plateau / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in the Tibet Plateau, and to explore the diagnosis and treatment method of this disease.Methods:The medical records of 60 patients with confirmed pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis who were admitted to Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital from January 2014 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. A descriptive statistical analysis was made.Results:The male-to-female ratio of 60 patients with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was 2.2: 1. The average age of onset was (48.6 ± 14.5) years. The average living altitude was (3 832.3 ± 399.8) meters. All patients were admitted mainly because of gastrointestinal symptoms. Twenty patients had hemorrhoids, chronic hepatitis, and gallstones. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was confirmed by endoscopic examination in 59 patients and by surgery in 1 patient. Among the patients, 43 patients had lesions involving the colon, 2 patients had lesions involving the small intestine, and 1 patient had lesions involving the duodenum. The specific lesion sites were not determined in the remaining 14 patients because of unclear descriptions of the examination results. Two patients were positive for fecal occult blood tests, with a median hemoglobin value of 156.0 g/L. Forty-nine patients were given hyperbaric oxygen therapy, medication, and diet adjustment. Eleven patients were treated surgically. Clinical symptoms were relieved in 43 patients, and 17 patients were lost to follow-up.Conclusion:Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is relatively common in Tibet Plateau, and more common in men than in women. It occurs at any age. Clinical manifestations are not specific. The lesions most often involve the colon. The disease is mainly diagnosed by endoscopy. Individualized treatment based on different causes can help improve the prognosis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis.

Management of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis with pneumoperitoneum: 5-years systematic review

Introduction: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition characterized by gas-filled cysts in the intestinal wall. Although rare, it may also involve other regions, such as the mesentery. PCI is classified as primary or secondary and is associated with multiple predisposing factors. It may be associated with either a benign condition or a potentially fatal condition, such as mesenteric ischemia. The objective of this study was to review the medical literature on the rare benign presentations of PCI, excluding cases associated with intestinal ischemia.Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA statement. We searched PubMed and LILACS databases for articles published between January 2015 and December 2020 using the following Medical Subject Headings: "pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis" and "pneumoperitoneum," "pneumatosis intestinalis," and "pneumoperitoneum" or "mesenteric pneumatosis."Results: We included 51 articles comprising 58 patients with PCI and pneumoperitoneum. Most patients were men, and mean patient age was 64.9 years. We identified an idiopathic etiology in 29.31% of cases, and the most common predisposing factor was immune dysfunction (29.31%). A total of 24.13% of patients were asymptomatic. The most commons symptoms were abdominal pain (43.10%), nausea and vomiting (41.37%), and abdominal distention (37.93%). Diagnostic surgery was conducted in 26 patients (44.82%). Only 1 patient underwent surgical treatment.Conclusions: PCI is a clinical condition that may have a benign etiology and not require surgery. Treatment of the benign etiology is conservative. Thus, life-threatening conditions should be excluded in all cases.

Autopsy findings in a patient with primary systemic AL (kappa light chain) amyloidosis

First described by Rokitansky in 1842, and further characterized by Virchow in 1854, amyloidosis is a disorder caused by amyloid deposition, a fibrillary insoluble protein. The clinical spectrum of amyloidosis is broad, as the amyloid deposition may virtually occur in all tissues. Herein, we report the case of a 66-year-old man with a long-lasting emaciating disease, diagnosed, at autopsy, with primary systemic amyloidosis. Amyloid protein deposition was found in many tissues and organs. The involvement of the vessels' wall rendered ischemic injury most prominent in the intestinal loops causing mesenteric ischemia. Despite the thorough organic involvement, the immediate cause of death was aspiration bronchopneumonia. Massive amyloid deposition was found in virtually all major organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, adrenals, prostate, skin, and thyroid: the latter, a complication of the amyloidosis known as amyloid goiter. Post-mortem review of the deceased's laboratory workup showed a slightly abnormal kappa:lambda ratio in the blood; however, no clonal lymphoplasmacytic disorder was confirmed in the bone marrow and other lymphoreticular system organs either by the microscopic examination and immunohistochemical staining. Laser-capture microdissection and tandem mass spectrometry of the splenic tissue detected a peptide profile consistent with an immunoglobulin Kappa light chain. The presence of amyloid purpura favors the diagnosis of primary systemic amyloidosis.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis - an incidental finding with unpredictable evolution / Pneumatose cistoide intestinal - um achado incidental com evolução imprevisível

Abstract Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is an uncommon disease with unknown etiology characterized by the presence of multiple gas-filled cysts within the submucosa or subserosa of the intestinal wall. Pneumoperitoneum and/or intestinal perforation are complications that may be associated with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. The patients are often prone to misdiagnosis or mistreatment.We are presenting a case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in a 42 year-old woman affected by peritoneal free air and numerous, diffuse, bubble-like intramural gas collections into the jejunum and ileum, showed in CT-enterography images. The woman had a carcinoid tumor located in jejunum two years ago, treated with enterectomy. Recent complaints of nonspecific symptoms of abdominal discomfort and diarrhea motivated the realization of CT scan, serum chromogranin and urine 5-hidroxindolacetic acid for hypothesis of tumor carcinoid recurrence withdraw. The only change found was the presence of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in CT-enterography images without intestinal necrosis, bleeding or evident obstruction. For that reason no surgical procedure was realized and the patient stayed on surveillance. Actually, the patient complaints are sporadic abdominal discomfort, without pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis clinical evidence. Conclusion: The treatment plan of patient with PCI depends on underlying cause and clinical condition severity. When conservative treatment is adopted the clinical evolution of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is unpredictable and can even disappear in an indeterminate number of patients.

Resumo A pneumatose cistoide intestinal é uma doença incomum, de etiologia desconhecida, caracterizada pela presença de múltiplos cistos preenchidos com gás na submucosa ou subserosa da parede intestinal. O pneumoperitoneu e/ou a perfuração intestinal são complicações que podem estar associadas à pneumatose cistoide intestinal. Os pacientes geralmente estão sujeitos a erros de diagnóstico ou de tratamento.Apresentamos um caso de pneumatose cistoide intestinal em paciente do sexo feminino, 42 anos de idade, com ar livre peritoneal e numerosas coleções gasosas intramurais, difusas e semelhantes a bolhas no jejuno e íleo, visualizados em imagens de enterografia por tomografia computadorizada (TC). Há dois anos, a paciente teve um tumor carcinoide localizado no jejuno que foi tratado com enterectomia. As queixas recentes de sintomas inespecíficos, desconforto abdominal e diarreia motivaram a realização da TC e exame de cromogranina sérica e ácido 5-hidroxindolacético na urina para excluir a hipótese de recorrência do tumor carcinoide. A única alteração encontrada foi a presença de pneumatose cistoide intestinal em imagens de enterografia por TC sem necrose intestinal, sangramento ou obstrução evidente. Por esse motivo, nenhum procedimento cirúrgico foi realizado, e a paciente permaneceu em observação. Atualmente, a queixa da paciente é de desconforto abdominal esporádico, sem evidência clínica de pneumatose cistoide intestinal. Conclusão: O plano de tratamento de pacientes com PCI depende da causa subjacente e da gravidade da condição clínica. Quando o tratamento conservador é adotado, a evolução clínica da pneumatose cistoide intestinal é imprevisível e pode até desaparecer em alguns pacientes.

Clinical and endoscopic characteristics analysis of 116 patients with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in colon / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis ( PCI) in colon. Methods Data of 116 patients with colonic PCI admitted at Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2005 to June 2018 were retrospectively collected, including age, gender, clinical manifestations, lesion size, location, and morphology. The clinical and endoscopic characteristics of colonic PCI were analyzed. Results The 116 patients included 54 males and 62 females, with age of 59. 11±13. 13 years (ranged, 17-91 years). Fifty cases (43. 10％) had a single lesion, and 66 cases (56. 90％) had multiple lesions. The detection rate of colonic PCI was 0. 40‰ ( 1/2524) to 2. 03‰(8/3945). Clinical manifestations included no symptom (24. 14％, 28/116), abdominal pain (18. 97％,22/116) , and elevated tumor markers ( 17. 24％, 20/116 ) . A total of 168 lesions were found under colonoscopy, and were single or multiple submucosal hemispherical or spherical cystic eminence of different sizes with soft surface, and some had hyperemia and erosion on the mucosal surface. The size of lesions was clearly recorded in 66 cases among the 116 patients, with 1. 61±0. 87 cm (ranged, 0. 3-5. 0 cm). The diameter of lesions was 1. 0-<2. 0 cm in 30 cases ( 45. 45％) . The single PCI was mostly located in ascending (38. 00％, 19/50) and transverse ( 28. 00％, 14/50) colon, and multiple PCIs were mostly located in ascending ( 28. 81％, 34/118 ) , sigmoid ( 22. 03％, 26/118 ) and descending ( 17. 80％, 21/118) colon. Conclusion Colonic PCI is a rare disease in clinic with non-specific clinical manifestations, and colonoscopy is an effective diagnostic method. It is apt to happen in elder patients and often found in ascending colon.

Benign versus life-threatening causes of pneumatosis intestinalis: differentiating CT features

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic performance of CT findings in differentiating causes of pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), including benign and life-threatening causes. METHODS: All CT reports containing the word "pneumatosis" were queried from June 1st, 2006 to May 31st, 2015. A total of 42 patients with PI were enrolled (mean age, 63.4 years; 23 males and 19 females) and divided into two groups on based on electronic medical records: a benign group (n=24) and a life-threatening group (n=18). Two radiologists reviewed CT images and evaluated CT findings including bowel distension, the pattern of bowel wall enhancement, bowel wall defect, portal venous gas (PVG), mesenteric venous gas (MVG), extraluminal free air, and ascites. RESULTS: CT findings including bowel distension, decreased bowel wall enhancement, PVG, and ascites were more commonly identified in the life-threatening group (all p<0.05). All cases with PVG were included in the life-threatening group (8/18 patients, 44.4%). Bowel wall defect, extraluminal free air, and mesenteric venous gas showed no statistical significance between both groups. CONCLUSION: PI and concurrent PVG, bowel distension, decreased bowel wall enhancement, or ascites were significantly associated with life-threatening causes and unfavorable prognosis. Thus, evaluating ancillary CT features when we encountered PI would help us characterize the causes of PI and determine the appropriate treatment option.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho diagnóstico dos achados CT em causas diferenciadoras da pneumatose intestinal (PI), incluindo causas benignas e que ameaçam a vida. MÉTODOS: Todos os relatórios CT contendo a palavra "pneumatose" foram questionados de 10 de junho de 2006 a 31 de maio de 2015. Um total de 42 pacientes com PI foi matriculado (idade média 63,4 anos, 23 do sexo masculino e 19 do sexo feminino) e divididos em dois grupos na base de registros médicos elétricos: grupo benigno, n = 24 e grupo com risco de vida, n = 18. Dois radiologistas analisaram as imagens da CT e avaliaram seus achados, incluindo distensão intestinal, padrão de realce da parede intestinal, defeito da parede intestinal, gás venoso portal (PVG), gás venoso mesentérico (MVG), ar extraluminal e ascite. RESULTADOS: Achados CT, incluindo distensão intestinal, diminuição do realce da parede intestinal. PVG e ascite foram mais comumente identificados em grupo com risco de vida (todos p < 0,05, respectivamente). Todos os casos com PVG foram incluídos em grupo com risco de vida (8/18 pacientes, 44,4%). Defeito da parede do intestino, ar livre extraluminal e gás venoso mesentérico não mostraram significância estatística entre dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: PI e PVG concorrente, distensão intestinal, diminuição do aumento da parede do intestino ou ascites foram significativamente associados com causas que ameaçaram a vida e prognóstico desfavorável. Portanto, avaliar os recursos de CT auxiliares quando encontramos PI nos ajudaria a caracterizar as causas de PI e determinar a opção de tratamento apropriada.

Portograma aéreo y neumatosis intestinal como hallazgos incidentales en postoperatorio de cirugía abdominal / Hepatic portal venous gas and pneumatosis intestinalis as incidental findings in post-surgical abdominal surgery

Portograma aéreo o portograma de aire (PA), se define como la presencia de aire en el sistema venoso portomesentérico. Neumatosis intestinal (NI) se define como la presencia de aire en la pared intestinal, independiente de su causa o localización. La principal etiología de estas alteraciones es la isquemia intestinal aguda y en general, se consideran predictores de perforación intestinal y de mal pronóstico. Un pequeño grupo de pacientes con PA y/o NI pueden evolucionar sin complicaciones e incluso cursan sin manifestaciones clínicas. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con antecedente quirúrgico inmediato de gastrectomía total y reconstrucción en Y de Roux, que evidenció en tomografía computarizada (TC) de abdomen de control PA y NI, sin alteraciones clínicas significativas asociadas.

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is defined as the presence of air in the portal venous system. Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is defined as the presence of air within the bowel wall, regardless of its cause or location. Its main etiology is the intestinal ischemia and are generally considered predictors of intestinal perforation and wrong prognosis. A small group of patients with HPVG and PI may have a different clinical course, without complications and clinical manifestations. We report the case of a patient with immediate surgical history of total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction, which showed in computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen HPVG and PI, without associated clinically significant changes.

Neumatosis intestinal, un hallazgo intraoperatorio inusual / Pneumatosis Intestinalis: A rare intraoperative finding

Resumen Introducción. La neumatosis intestinal (NI) es una entidad rara que se caracteriza por la presencia de gas en la pared del intestino y suele diagnosticarse como un hallazgo radiológico incidental. Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 63 años con historia de epigastralgia crónica, quien consulta por cuadro clínico de una semana de evolución consistente en dolor abdominal difuso asociado a distensión abdominal, anorexia, emesis y diarrea. Al examen físico se encuentra un abdomen distendido, timpánico, doloroso a la palpación, con ruidos intestinales disminuidos y sin signos de irritación peritoneal. Se realiza radiografía simple de abdomen que evidencia sobredistensión de asas intestinales, formación de niveles hidroaéreos, ausencia de gas distal y neumoperitoneo, por lo que es llevada a laparotomía exploratoria, donde se halla NI severa de los últimos 100cm de íleon. Discusión. La NI, en especial la variante quística, es una patología inusual de la que, según la revisión realizada, se han descrito 565 casos en todo el mundo y 6 en Latinoamérica; es posible que su difícil diagnóstico haga que pase desapercibida. Aunque se considera que el diagnóstico es netamente radiológico, el 40% de los casos se evidencian en hallazgos quirúrgicos, como sucedió en esta paciente. La indicación quirúrgica para este caso fue el neumoperitoneo, complicación más común (51%).

Abstract Introduction: Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare entity characterized by the presence of gas in the intestine wall, which is usually diagnosed as an incidental radiological finding. Clinical case: This paper reports the case of a 63-year-old patient with a history of chronic epigastralgia, who consulted due to a clinical picture of 1 week of evolution consisting of diffuse abdominal pain associated with abdominal distension, anorexia, emesis and diarrhea. Physical examination revealed a distended, tympanic abdomen, painful on palpation, with decreased bowel sounds and no signs of peritoneal irritation. A simple abdominal radiograph was performed, showing overdistension of intestinal loops, air-fluid levels, absence of distal gas and pneumoperitoneum. The patient was taken to exploratory laparotomy, where severe PI was observed in the final 100cm of the ileum. Discussion: PI, especially the cystic variant, is a rare pathology, with only 565 cases described worldwide and 6 in Latin America. This condition may go unnoticed due to its difficult diagnosis. Although diagnosis is considered to be radiological, 40% of the cases are found during surgery, as was the case of this patient. Surgical indication for this case was pneumoperitoneum, the most common complication (51%).

Neumatosis quística intestinal complicada con vólvulo intestinal / Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis complicated with intestinal volvulus

La neumatosis quística intestinal es una condición infrecuente caracterizada por la presencia de quistes con gas en la subserosa o submucosa del tracto gastrointestinal. Su patogénesis es incierta y se han propuesto varios mecanismos patogénicos para explicar su origen. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 46 años de edad con diagnóstico previo de neumatosis quística intestinal, que consultó por dolor abdominal, vómitos y fiebre (39 °C). Ingreso con signos de irritación peritoneal. La radiografía simple de abdomen reportó distensión intestinal y niveles hidroaéreos. Se realizó laparotomía exploratoria que reveló vólvulo de intestino delgado con estrangulamiento de algunas asas intestinales. El diagnóstico anatomopatológico fue neumatosis quística intestinal complicada con Infarto transmural por vólvulo intestinal. El paciente evoluciono satisfactoriamente

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rare condition in which multiple gas-filled cysts are found within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract either in the subserosa or submucosa. Its pathogenesis is uncertain and several pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed to explain its origin. The case of a male patient of 46 years with previous diagnosis of pneumatosis cystic intestinalis, who consulted for abdominal pain, vomiting and fever (39 °C) is presented. By the time of admission ther were signs of peritoneal irritation. The X-ray abdominal reported distension and intestinal hydro-air levels. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and revealed small bowel volvulus with strangulation of some intestinal segment. Histological diagnosis was pneumatosis cystic intestinalis complicated with Infarction trans-mural by intestinal volvulus. The patient evolved satisfactorily.

Neumatosis intestinal: ¿una urgencia abdominal? / Cystic pneumatosis intestinalis: an emergency?

Resumen El auge de las imágenes diagnósticas, en especial de la tomografía computarizada multidetector ha permitido que entidades poco conocidas sean detectadas con relativa frecuencia. Inicialmente, se creía que todos los pacientes con neumatosis intestinal padecían enfermedades abdominales graves o presentaban complicaciones que requerían un manejo quirúrgico inmediato, pero al conocer mejor esta entidad, en parte gracias al aumento en el número de tomografías realizadas en la práctica diaria, se ha demostrado que la neumatosis intestinal también puede presentarse en pacientes asintomáticos o asociada a entidades benignas. Es importante conocer los signos y síntomas que ayudan a diferenciar las formas benignas de neumatosis de aquellas que ponen en peligro la vida del paciente y requieren manejo quirúrgico. Presentamos dos casos de neumatosis intestinal y una revisión de la literatura que ayudarán a aclarar la presentación por imágenes y etiología de esta entidad poco conocida.

Abstract Penumatosis intestinalis is a clinical condition that has been increasingly detected in recent years with the escalating use of computed tomography for abdominal imaging. Previously, it was thought that all the patients cursing with penumatosis intestinalis had life threatening conditions that required immediate surgical treatment. With the increased detection of this radiologic entity, benign causes have been described for example the cystic pneumatosis intestinalis, which in the mayority of times is an isolated finding and does not require surgery. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms that help differentiate the benign forms, from those that are life-threatening conditions and require surgery. We report two cases of pneumatosis cystoides and a review of the literature that will illustrate the imaging findings and etiology of this rare entity.

Pneumatose intestinal: relato de caso / Pneumatosis intestinalis: case report

Pneumatose intestinal (PI) consiste em um achado de imagem correspondente à presença de ar na parede intestinal. É um sinal infrequente, mais comum em idosos e sem predileção por sexo. Existem várias causas relatadas na literatura, sendo alguns casos reportados como idiopáticos. A modalidade diagnóstica de maior sensibilidade é a tomografia computadorizada de abdome. A maioria dos casos é assintomática, porém, uma pequena parcela pode evoluir com complicações graves, necessitando de intervenções imediatas. A inexistência de um consenso a respeito do manejo dos pacientes com PI, somada ao pouco conhecimento dos médicos acerca dessa enfermidade, resulta em um cenário clínico delicado. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar o caso de um paciente com PI, destacando o manejo terapêutico adotado.

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) consists in an image finding corresponding to the presence of air in the intestinal wall. It is an infrequent sign, more common in the elderly and without gender predilection. There are numerous causes described in the literature, and some cases are referred as idiopathic. The diagnostic modality with the highest sensibility is the computed tomography of the abdomen. The majority of cases are asymptomatic, but a small portion can evolve with severe complications, needing immediate interventions. The lack of a consensus regarding PI patients' management, along with the low knowledge level of physicians about the existence of this disorder, results in a delicate clinical scenario. The objective of this article is to report the case of a patient with PI, highlighting the adopted therapeutic management.

A report of 12 cases of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the characteristics and treatment for pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI). Methods Data of 12 PCI patients admitted to General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from 1997 to 2015 were analyzed. The causes, endoscopic characteristics, therapeutic effects and prognosis were evaluated. Results Four cases were primary PCI due to long?term exposure to trichloroethylene or unknown reasons, while 8 other cases were secondary to Behcet's disease, connective tissue disease, emphysema, diabetes, therioma, etc. Endoscopic findings included bubble?like, linear,cobblestone?like, graped or beaded gas cysts, involving sigmoid in 6 cases, ascending colon in 3, descending colon in 2, duodenum in 2 and rectum in 1. After combination of medicinal and endoscopic treatment, symptoms of 8 patients were relieved, and the condition of 2 patients improved, while 2 patients died of malignancy. Conclusion Pneumatosis intestinalis is a rare disease, usually secondary to other diseases, which can be diagnosed by colonoscopy and ultrasonic endoscopy. Pathogenesis of PCI is still unclear. Single PCI can be cured with endoscopic resection. Multiple PCI can be managed with cyst clipping, antibiotics and intestinal flora regulator. Treatment of the original disease and early detection of complications can improve the prognosis and reduce recurrence of PCI.

A Case with Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis with Intra-abdominal Free Air following Steroid Therapy for End-stage Brain Tumor

<p>Introduction: We experienced a case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis with intra-abdominal free air following steroid therapy for an end-stage brain tumor. Case: The patient was a 67-year-old man. He had received surgery and chemotherapy for the brain tumor, but the disease progressed and his consciousness deteriorated. Eventually, he developed aspiration pneumonia and was hospitalized. His consciousness level remained poor even after the pneumonia improved. His survival prognosis was considered to be approximately 1 month, and he was transferred to a palliative care ward. After the transfer, administration of betamethasone 8 mg/day was started for the purpose of improving his level of consciousness. Temporary improvement was observed, and administration of this drug was continued with dose adjustments, as appropriate. Six weeks after the start of betamethasone administration, when his consciousness level again deteriorated, aspiration began to recur. Chest X-rays, obtained to assess pneumonia, showed intra-abdominal free air. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was confirmed by computed tomography. He had few abdominal symptoms, and was managed conservatively. He died of respiratory failure. Conclusion: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is mostly secondary, and steroid therapy is considered to be one of the causes. But follow-up observation is often conservative, and judgment of discontinuation of steroid needs to be made in consideration of its effect and prognosis is there.</p>

Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinales and Portomesenteric Venous Gas following Anticholinesterase Pesticide Poisoning

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas are uncommon radiological findings, but are found commonly in cases of bowel ischemia, or as a result of various non-ischemic conditions. A 72-year-old man visited an emergency center with altered mental status 2 hours after ingestion of an unknown pesticide. On physical examination, he showed the characteristic hydrocarbon or garlic-like odor, miotic pupils with no response to light, rhinorrhea, shallow respiration, bronchorrhea, and sweating over his face, chest and abdomen. Laboratory results revealed decreased serum cholinesterase, as well as elevated amylase and lipase level. We made the clinical diagnosis of organophosphate poisoning in this patient based on the clinical features, duration of symptoms and signs, and level of serum cholinesterase. Activated charcoal, fluid, and antidotes were administered after gastric lavage. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen with intravenous contrast showed acute pancreatitis, poor enhancement of the small bowel, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, portomesenteric venous gas and ascites. Emergent laparotomy could not be performed because of his poor physical condition and refusal of treatment by his family. The possible mechanisms were believed to be direct intestinal mucosal damage by pancreatic enzymes and secondary mucosal disruption due to bowel ischemia caused by shock and the use of inotropics. Physicians should be warned about the possibility of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas as a complication of pancreatitis following anticholinesterase poisoning.

Neumoperitoneo asintomático asociado a neumatosis quística intestinal en paciente quirúrgico / Asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum associated to pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in surgery patient

Abstract Introduction: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare entity characterized by the presence of air in the intestinal wall. In most cases, it is secondary to a number of mainly intra-abdominal processesthat mostly require urgent surgery but, in a small percentage of cases, it is idiopathic and usually has a morebenign course, caused by, among other things, a series of mechanical factors causing mucosal damage andtherefore predisposing to the formation of cysts. Case report: Here we describe a case of a patient undergoingright hemicolectomy for colon cancer and subsequently treated with chemotherapy that developed PCI twoyears after treatment ended. At all times, the patient was asymptomatic, despite the evolution of PCI and thedevelopment of associated pneumoperitoneum.

Resumen Introducción: La neumatosis quística intestinal (NQI) es una entidad poco frecuente que se caracteriza por la presencia de aire en la pared intestinal. En la mayoría de las ocasiones es secundaria a una serie de procesos fundamentalmente intrabdominales y que en su mayoría requieren cirugía urgente, pero en un pequeño porcentaje de casos es idiopática y suele tener un curso más benigno, causada entre otras cosas por una serie de factores mecánicos que ocasionan el daño de la mucosa y por lo tanto predisponen a la formación de quistes. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de un paciente sometido a una hemicolectomía derecha por cáncer de colon y tratado posteriormente con quimioterapia que desarrolla una NQI a los dos años de finalizado el tratamiento. En todo momento el paciente se ha encontrado asintomático a pesar de la evolución de la NQI yel desarrollo de neumoperitoneo asociado.

Clinical analysis of 20 cases of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To review the experiences of diagnosis and treatment of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI), and study the clinical characteristics of the disease in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment. Methods Clinical data from 20 patients with endoscopically confirmed PCI were retrospectively analyzed. They were admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital from June 1995 to June 2015. Results Among the patients 16 of them were male, and the other four were female. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal distention, diarrhea, abdominal pain and mucous bloody stool. The diagnosis relied mainly on colonoscopy and pathological examination. Laparoscopy assisted colorectal cancer resection was performed in 1 patient, laparostomy and repair of sigmoid colon perforation in 1, endoscopic treatment in 5 cases, drug administration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in 2, drug treatment alone in 7, and no treatment in 4. Conclusions The final diagnosis depends on endoscopic findings. No treatment is recommended to patients with no symptoms. The management of patients with PCI includes antibiotics, oxygen therapy, endoscopic therapy, surgery, and appropriate therapy related to the underlying cause of PCI. The prognosis is good.

Clinical Course of Three Cases of Pneumatosis Intestinalis / 대한소화기학회지

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition characterized by multiple gas-filled cysts of varying size in the wall of gastrointestinal tract. PCI may idiopathic or secondary to various disorders. The etiology and pathogenesis of PCI are unclear. Treatment is usually conservative, and includes oxygen and antibiotics therapy. Surgery is reserved for cases of suspected inconvertible intestinal obstruction or perforation. Eleven patients who were diagnosed with PI between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. We report three cases of PCI and describe causes and complications. The most important point in the treatment of PCI is to determine whether the patient needs surgery. Conservative care should be considered first if the patient is stable. If any complication is observed, such as ischemia in the intestine, surgery is needed. It is important to choose the best treatment based on prognostic factors and CT findings.

A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis after Erlotinib-containing Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer / 대한췌담도학회지

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon condition that is characterized by the presence of gas within the bowel wall. We experienced a case of PCI after erlotinib-containing chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer. A 66-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with intermittent epigastric pain, and she diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer accompanied by hepatic metastasis. Combination chemotherapy of gemcitabine and erlotinib was started. PCI occurred about 14 months after start of the chemotherapy but she did not complain of abdominal pain and physical examination showed no evidence of peritoneal irritation sign. Laboratory findings showed no abnormalities. Following conservative treatment for 3 days, no specific symptoms were observed, and abdominal X-ray examination showed reduced abnormal air deposition. Erlotinib-containing chemotherapy was continued and PCI had not recurred.

Pneumatosis intestinalis in an adult: a report of an unusual case.

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare condition affecting 0.03-0.37% of general population. This entity has varied presentation which ranges from asymptomatic to surgical emergency in the form of acute abdomen. The acute abdomen presentation can be bowel necrosis, perforation or persistent bowel obstruction. We present a case of PI of small intestine in an adult patient admitted in emergency department who presented with acute abdomen and pneumo-peritoneum.