Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: A case report
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
Rectal Organoid Morphology Analysis ROMA: A Diagnostic Assay in Cystic Fibrosis
Published on: June 10, 2022
Qiuyu Zhang1, Xiangke Niu2, Cong Wang1
1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital & Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Rationale:
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition characterized by multiple gas-filled cysts in the intestinal wall, and can be caused by many conditions.
Patient Concerns:
We reported a-69-year-old man with a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was admitted to the gastroenterology department because of alternating bowel movement and intermittent bloody stool.
Diagnoses:
Colonoscopy revealed multiple nodular protuberances covered with normal-looking mucosa in the ascending and proximal transverse colon. Abdominal computed tomography scan and endoscopic ultrasound revealed multiple gas-filled cystic lesions in the submucosa. The diagnosis of PCI was confirmed by cyst collapse after puncturing with a fine needle.
Interventions And Outcomes:
Considering that the patient had no peritonitis or other complications, conservative approaches, including oxygen inhalation and oral probiotics, were used. The patient was transferred to the anorectal department after 5days of clinical observation in good condition to further treat hemorrhoids.
Lessons:
PCI is a rare condition that may be secondary to many other diseases. Because of its atypical clinical manifestations, it can be misdiagnosed as other diseases, such as polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and even cancer. The diagnosis of PCI depends on computed tomography, colonoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasonography. Fine-needle aspiration may be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of PCI.
