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Primary pneumatosis intestinalis of small bowel: a case of a rare disease

Daniela Berritto1, Raffaello Crincoli2, Francesca Iacobellis1

  • 1Depatment of Radiology, Second University of Naples, P.za Miraglia 2, 80138 Napoli, Italy.

Case Reports in Surgery
|December 6, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pneumatosis intestinalis, a condition with gas in the bowel wall, was treated surgically in an 86-year-old man. This approach resolved symptoms and prevented recurrence after one year.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Abdominal Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) presents as gas-filled cysts in the bowel wall.
  • PI encompasses diverse pathologies with varied underlying causes.
  • Symptomatic PI necessitates effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of primary small bowel pneumatosis intestinalis.
  • To describe the successful surgical management of symptomatic PI.
  • To evaluate the long-term outcome of surgical intervention for PI.

Main Methods:

  • A case study of an 86-year-old male patient with symptomatic primary PI.
  • Diagnosis confirmed via clinical suspicion and abdominal computed tomography.
  • Treatment involved a surgical approach following cyst rupture and inflammation.

Main Results:

  • The patient experienced periodic episodes of cyst rupture and inflammation.
  • Abdominal CT scan was crucial for diagnosis.
  • Surgical treatment led to the resolution of digestive symptoms.
  • No recurrence of symptoms was observed at one-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical intervention can be an effective treatment for symptomatic primary pneumatosis intestinalis.
  • Early diagnosis using imaging is vital for appropriate management.
  • Surgical approach offers a favorable long-term prognosis for PI patients.

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