Pneumatosis intestinalis in AIDS: an unreported complication

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) was first described by DuVernou in 1730. Since then, there have been reports of a benign form of PI occurring in both children and adults. Pneumatosis has been associated with a great many diseases, but to our knowledge there are no reports of pneumatosis in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this paper we report the incidental finding of PI in an AIDS patient. With ever-increasing numbers of AIDS patients, this entity may be seen more often, and clinicians should be aware of its clinical significance.