[Pneumatosis cystoides coli--a rare differential diagnosis in colonoscopy]

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI), also called emphysema intestinalis or colitis cystica is a rare entity of unknown etiology. Characteristic signs can be found in endoscopy. We report the case of a 63 years old man in whom the misinterpretation of the colonoscopic signs resulted in resection of the ascending colon. After surgical therapy the patient is up to now asymptomatic with no signs of recurrence. Treatment of PCI is necessary only in symptomatic cases. The first choice of treatment is oxygen therapy in combination with metronidazole for six weeks. High recurrence rates are found with either oxygen treatment or antibiotic application alone. Surgical therapeutic intervention is recommended only in cases with serious complications. Limited resection of the affected part of the bowel should be carried out.