J Korean Surg Soc.  2009 May;76(5):321-325. 10.4174/jkss.2009.76.5.321.

Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis with Intestinal Volvulus

• Lee WI
• Jang JJ
• Hong SI
• Kim HS
• Lee JH
• Kim HJ
• Ryu BY
• Kim HK
• Choi YH
• Baik HK

• KMID: 2096553
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4174/jkss.2009.76.5.321

Abstract

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is an uncommon condition characterized by the presence of multiple gas-filled cysts within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It is still a poorly understood phenomenon, considered to result from primary mucosal insult from varying causes. However, it is associated with various diseases, including gastroenteral obstructive and connective vascular diseases and even pulmonary or endocrine diseases. Authors report a case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis with volvulus in the small intestine that developed in a 44-year-old man without history of any special underlying diseases.

Keyword

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis; Intestinal volvulus; Intestial obstruction

MeSH Terms

Adult
Endocrine System Diseases
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Intestinal Volvulus
Intestine, Small
Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis
Vascular Diseases

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Simple abdomen. X-ray. Plain film shows small bowel conglomeration into right subphrenic space and pneumatosis intestinalis.

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  Fig. 2 Abdominal CT. In lung setting, small bowel conglomeration into right subphrenic space and marked pneumatosis intestinalis in small bowel loops are shown (arrow).

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  Fig. 3 Operative field. (A) Small bowel was partially obstructed because of mesenteric volvulus. (B) Mucosa of small intestine was visible grossly.

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  Fig. 4 Microscopic findings (H&E stain). The cut section of intestine shows intact mucosa and muscle layer (arrow) and numerous bullae in the subserosal portion (arrow heads) (×50).

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