Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis--a review

Abstract

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rare disease characterized by presence of multilocular cysts in the gastrointestinal wall. Idiopathic and secondary forms of the disease can be distinguished. There are presented several theories explaining pneumatogenesis in this article. The specific and non-specific symptoms are described. Attention is drawn to the pneumoperitoneum without signs of peritoneal irritation, what is a typical complication of this disease. The suspicion of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis may be based on plain abdominal X-ray, and is usually confirmed by computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The therapy can be conservative or surgical. In conclusion, although pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rare disease, it may represent a problem in differential diagnosis of abdominal pain.