Benign Pneumatosis Intestinalis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Conclusions

PI is the radiographic finding of gas within the walls of the intestinal tract and has variable clinical significance. It can represent a benign incidental finding or a sequela of intraabdominal emergencies such as mesenteric ischemia or bowel necrosis. Because PI is seen in a variety of disorders, several proposed mechanisms are supported in the medical literature. These include bacterial production of gas, gas pressure gradients between the intestinal lumen and the blood, increased intraluminal pressure, pulmonary gas tracking from intrathoracic vessels, and mucosal disruption. The evaluation of a patient with PI must begin with an assessment for the need for urgent surgical intervention. Additional management measures include bowel rest, IV hydration, and supplemental oxygen administration. Because of its wide variety of etiologies of varying clinical urgency, placing the finding of PI in the context of the patient is paramount to selecting an appropriate management strategy.