Pneumatosis intestinalis of small bowel in an adult: a case report

ABSTRACT

Pneumatosis Intestinalis [PI] is rare in adults although it can be seen in the pediatric population as a complication of necrotizing enterocolitis. We report a case of PI affecting the small bowel in a 27-year-old patient who presented with signs and symptoms of acute abdomen due to perforated duodenal ulcer. Histopathologic findings are demonstrated and the pathogenesis is discussed with the objective of highlighting that PI is not a diagnosis but a finding which needs further evaluation and management in view of the underlying etiology