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Unusual radiological finding of lethal pneumatosis intestinalis and portomesenteric vein gas

Ioannis D Kyriazanos1, Theodoros A Bazinas, Grigorios G Tsoukalos

  • 1Ioannis D Kyriazanos, Christos N Stoidis, Department of Surgery, Athens Navy Hospital, 70 Deinokratous Street, 11521, Athens, Greece.

World Journal of Radiology
|December 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pneumatosis intestinalis and portomesenteric vein gas are rare but serious signs of intra-abdominal issues. Their presence, especially with ischemia or sepsis, often indicates a poor prognosis, potentially necessitating surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Pneumatosis intestinalis and portomesenteric vein gas are uncommon radiological findings.
  • These signs indicate underlying intra-abdominal pathology, abnormality, or iatrogenic causes.
  • Their occurrence spans both pediatric and adult patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the significance of pneumatosis intestinalis and portomesenteric vein gas.
  • To evaluate their role as indicators for surgical intervention.
  • To characterize these findings in patients with severe medical conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of two patients undergoing surgical treatment.
  • Radiological and clinical data analysis.
  • Review of literature on similar findings.

Main Results:

  • Surgical treatment in the reported cases had an ominous outcome.
  • These radiological findings can signify critical intra-abdominal pathology.
  • The combination with ischemia or sepsis suggests a dismal prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • Pneumatosis intestinalis and portomesenteric vein gas require careful interpretation.
  • These findings may serve as an indicator for urgent laparotomy in specific clinical contexts.
  • They can also represent a marker of systemic decompensation in critically ill patients.

Keywords:
Intestinal ischemiaIntestinal obstructionPneumatosis intestinalisPortomesenteric vein gasSurgery

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