Gas Cysts of the 3ejunum. [Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis]: report of a case

ABSTRACT

Gas cysts of the gwstro-intestinal tract although commonly found in animals yet the condition is rare in man. The cysts vary in size from a millimetre to several centimetres. The cysts are grouped in clusters and in most cases they are subserous, but occasionally they arise in the submucous layer of the intestine. In over 50% .of cases there is a peptic ulcer with some degree of obstruction. The case reported was discovered in a patient with chronic pyloric obstruction and, the ileum was the only area affected. The various theories of these cyst formation are mentioned and m man the mechanical theory fits more soundly together with the deficiency theory. A case of gas cysts of the jejunum and associated with pyloric obstruction was found accidentally during laparatomy. The various theories regarding the formation of these cysts are mentioned together with the pathological picture are discussed. The rationale of treatment is to leave these cysts alone unless they are the cause of intestinal obstruction