Pneumatose cística intestinal / Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis

Pneumatose cística intestinal é uma doença rara caracterizada pelo acúmulo de gás na parede intestinal estando associada a uma variedade de doenças e procedimentos. Não existe uma história específica, achados de exame físico ou laboratorial que auxiliam no diagnóstico. O tratamento conservador utilizando-se a oxigenioterapia hiperbárica é efetivo, ficando a abordagem cirúrgica indicada quando há complicações.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is an uncommon disease characterized by an accumulation of gas in the bowel wall, and has been associated with a variety of disorders and procedures. There is no specific history and physical or laboratory findings do not help to diagnose. The treatment conservative with hyperbaric oxygen is effective, and surgery is usually indicated when complications appear.

Pneumatose intestinal / Pneumatosis intestinales

Pneumatosis Intestinalis (PI) is the presence of gas-filled cysts within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It is a clinical and/or radiological sign associated with a wide spectrum of diseases, so that it has a variable clinical significance. Probably, its prevalence is increasing. The nature of the diseases causing PI is been modifying in last decades. Peptic ulcers were its main cause in the past. Nowadays, probably, immunosuppressive conditions and states of increased permeability of the GIT mucosa (AIDS, transplanted patients or in chemotherapy, etc) are more common causes. PI can be shown on simple abdominal roentgenograms and computed tomographic scans obtained with lung windows. Its diagnosis include definition of the cause in addition to its presence. The treatment should be directed to the cause of the PI, fluctuating from expectant to emergency laparotomy. The present report is a contribution to the limited literature experience in this topic and calls attention to the importance of recognizing PI and its clinical significance in order to define the right conduct.