Pneumatosis intestinalis as a manifestation of chronic intestinal volvulus: case report

Abstract

The pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare disease characterized by presence of gaseous cysts containing nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the intestinal wall that can be idiopathic or associated with other diseases. There are 5 theories about the pathophysiology: mechanic (obstruction), immunosuppression (atrophy of Peyer's patches), bacterial (Clostridium spp.), pulmonary (chronic pulmonary disease) and chemical (exposure to trichloroethylene). The aim of this paper is to present a clinical case of a patient with rheumatic comorbidity admitted to the emergency service and diagnosed with acute abdomen secondary to intestinal volvulus associated with pneumatosis intestinalis.