Pneumatosis Intestinalis in the Adult: Benign to Life-Threatening Causes

Abstract

This article illustrates the imaging findings of PI due to benign and life-threatening causes, with emphasis placed on describing newly associated conditions and also the imaging appearance on CT.

A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis and Portal Venous Gas Accompanied by Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…Its incidence has increased with the technical advancement of imaging modalities such as a computed tomography (CT) [5,6]. Primary PCI is a benign idiopathic condition, and cysts of the bowel may be found incidentally through radiography or endoscopy.…”

“…Primary PCI is a benign idiopathic condition, and cysts of the bowel may be found incidentally through radiography or endoscopy. The underlying diseases of secondary PCI include gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., bowel infarction, intestinal ischemia, necrotic enteritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and intestinal obstruction), pulmonary diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), collagenvascular disease, acquired immunodeficiency s y n d r o m e, a n t i c a n c e r t h e r a p y, o r g a n transplantation, and surgery [5]. Most patients with PCI are asymptomatic, and specific therapy is not needed other than treatment of the underlying cause of PCI for these patients.…”

“…The prognosis of this condition varies depending on the underlying conditions [5]. When PCI complications, such as bowel ischemia, necrotizing enterocolitis and bowel obstruction occur, surgical treatments usually are required in these patients, who are reported to have a relatively high mortality [8].…”

“…In addition, it mainly affects the large intestine and has a good prognosis [4]. Secondary PCI accounts for approximately 85% of all cases, and their underlying conditions vary from benign diseases that can be cured solely with conservative treatments to life-threatening ones [5]. Based on an extensive review of the Korean and English literature, we conclude that this is a rare case of PCI and portal venous gas accompanied by EP in a patient with diabetes mellitus.…”

An unusual case of air within the bladder wall: Bladder pneumatosis?

“…It is our opinion that the case shows similar characteristics to those of PCI. 3 PCI is an uncommon disorder characterized by the presence of multiple gas-containing cysts within intestinal walls or, uncommonly, in extraintestinal sites, such as the omentum and mesentery. 4 To our knowledge, there have hitherto been no descriptions of cases affecting the wall of the bladder.…”