Use of twinkling artifact in sonographic detection of intestinal pneumatosis

Intestinal pneumatosis is a relatively rare condition that has been associated with a wide variety of abnormalities. Traditionally, this entity has been diagnosed by radiographic films, contrast series, or more accurately by computed tomography. However, reports describing findings of intestinal pneumatosis on sonographic examination, which is an important initial diagnostic tool for abdominal diseases, are limited. We suggest that twinkling artifact may be of value in the sonographic diagnosis of this condition. We report two cases of intestinal pneumatosis that were diagnosed initially by sonography with the aid of twinkling artifact.