Case: 34

Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis

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History: 67 yo female with abdominal pain
Solution: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Pneumatosis is frequently a dire finding, indicating bowel necrosis in the setting of bowel ischemia. However, it can be a benign finding in the setting of COPD, ventilation, automimmune diseases such as SLE, certain medications (i.e. steroids, and immunosuppressives)and after endoscopy. Benign causes of pneumatosis tend to cause cystic air bubbles, while the more concerning underlying processes often cause linear air collections, but the primary differentiation if clinical.

Radiograph Images

Questions

The primary abnormality involves the:
  • small bowel
  • liver
  • colon
  • spleen
  • bones
The process is almost always associated with a poor prognosis
False
The most likely diagnosis is:
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis