Pneumatosis coli in adult acute myeloid leukaemia

Three cases of pneumatosis coli (PC) in adult patients with acute myeloid leukaemia seen over the last five years in Hammersmith Hospital are reported. Although definite conclusions are impossible, we suggest that that pneumatosis could be due to damage to the bowel mucosa as a result of the disease or the treatment. The literature is reviewed and discussed in an inconclusive attempt to discover the source of the gas.