[Pneumatosis cystoides intestinii]
[Article in German]
Bertram P, Treutner KH, Winkeltau G, Booss HJ, Staatz G, Schumpelick V.
Chirurgische Klinik, RWTH Aachen.
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI), a condition involving submucosal or subserosal gas-containing cysts of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, is a rare entity. It is mostly diagnosed between the third and fifth decades of life without a clear sexual predominance. Different aetiopathogenetic factors are under discussion, the most probable being a bacteriologic cause (Clostridium perfringens) in combination with minimal leaks in the mucosal barrier. There are no pathognomonic symptoms; the clinical picture ranges from incidental findings to haematochezia. Diagnosis is based on plain abdominal film and X-ray following barium enema. Methods of treatment in symptomatic cases are oxygen and antibiotic (metronidazole) therapies and, in severe cases, resection of the diseased part of the intestine.
Publication Types:
PMID: 8366737 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]