Benign pneumatosis intestinalis with subcutaneous emphysema in a liver transplant recipient

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) occurred in a pediatric liver transplant recipient experiencing chronic rejection. Signs and symptoms included abdominal distention, subcutaneous emphysema, fever, and malaise. Antibiotic treatment and nasogastric decompression resulted in prompt relief of symptoms, and surgery was not necessary. The etiology, pathophysiology, and therapy of this rare condition are discussed.