Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in a Saudi patient

ABSTRACT

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rare condition. This is the first case reported in a Saudi patient The patient had IDDM, hypertension and previous ischaemic colitis. He presented with intestinal obstruction and on exploration a segment of the small bowel had to be resected due to extensive adhesions. Pathological examination showed multiple gas filled cystic spaces in the submucosa and serosa. Microscopic examination revealed that these cysts were 3-7 cm in diameter and were focally lined by flattened cells and filled with lymph like fluid. The surrounding tissues showed inflammatory cell infiltrate and were congested with blood vessels