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

ABSTRACT

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.