Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis

Pneumatosis cystoides is a rare gastrointestinal condition characterised by the presence of gas in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, predominantly the small and large intestine. This phenomenon occurs in three forms: 1) primary pneumatosis cystoides, 2) a secondary form, which accompanies a wide range of gastrointestinal and systemic diseases, and 3) pneumatosis complicating intestinal ischaemia. The pathogenesis is not clearly known and is most likely multifactorial; hydrogen overproduction represents what is probably the most consistent theory of PCI formation. PCI is often an incidental finding during colonoscopy — endoscopic suspicion on PCI based on collapse during the puncture can be supported by the typical cytological findings. Computerised tomography is the most sensitive radiodiagnostic method, which can also detect possible underlying disease. Oxygen inhalation and antibiotics is the mainstay in conservative therapy, together with therapy of the underlying disease. Candidates for surgical and/or radiological intervention are mainly recruited from the third group of PCI accompanying abdominal catastrophe such as intestinal ischaemia.