Pneumatosis intestinalis associated with enteral feeding by catheter jejunostomy

Pneumatosis intestinalis is an unusual, but potentially serious, postoperative complication. The differential diagnosis includes life-threatening conditions, such as intestinal necrosis, that may require immediate surgical intervention. The authors describe a case of pneumatosis intestinalis occurring postoperatively in a seriously ill patient with advanced ovarian cancer. The cause of pneumatosis intestinalis was attributed to enteral feeding by catheter jejunostomy, and a successful outcome is reported after conservative management. As the use of enteral feeding through catheter jejunostomies will likely increase, this cause of pneumatosis intestinalis must be recognized.