Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis associated with gastric outlet obstruction; A case report

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is defined as the presence of air-filled cysts in the bowel wall. The overall incidence of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in the general population is very rare.

This is a 44-year-old male patient who presented with epigastric abdominal pain and repeated vomiting of one-month duration. The patient was emaciated; vital signs were within normal limits. The abdomen was grossly distended. Laboratory tests, radiologic imaging, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed. The diagnosis of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) secondary to peptic ulcer disease cicatrization along with the coincidental finding of PCI with hepato-diaphragmatic interposition of the small bowel (Chilaiditi sign) was made. Truncal vagotomy, gastrojejunostomy, and Braun jejunojejunostomy was performed. Adhesionolysis and repositioning of the ileum back into its' normal infracolic location was also done.

The causes of PCIs are multifactorial; however, the exact etiology is not well known. PCIs have a wide range of non-specific presenting symptoms such as bloody stools, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, and weight loss. The diagnosis of PCI is made based on endoscopy and radiographic evaluation of the alimentary tract. The appropriate therapy depends on the underlying etiology and the presence of complications.

In the absence of complication, PCI can be managed conservatively. However, in the presence of an indication for surgery, PCI related with bowel interposition in the hepato-diaphragmatic space; concomitant repositioning and adhesion release may help to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complication of PCI.