Pneumo-retroperitoneum associated with pneumatosis cystoides intestinals

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, a rare disease characterised by gas cysts involving portions of the intestinal tract, is obscure in its etiology and intriguing in its presentation. Amongst several theories a new concept suggest that retroperitoneal gas is a probable source of origin. Experimental studies in animals have demonstrated that air can track down the mediastinum into the retroperitoneum and thereby into the gut wall from an alveolar rupture. A case of pneumo-retroperitoneum in a patient with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is now reported.