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Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: CT findings
N Hosomi1, H Yoshioka, C Kuroda
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Center for Adult Diseases, Osaka, Japan.
Abdominal Imaging
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, a rare condition, involves gas cysts in the intestinal wall. Computed tomography (CT) effectively identified these intramural gas cysts in two patients with sigmoid colon involvement.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of gas-filled cysts within the intestinal wall.
- Primary PCI lacks an identifiable underlying cause, distinguishing it from secondary forms.
- Sigmoid colon involvement is common in PCI, though it can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Observation:
- Two cases of primary pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis involving the sigmoid colon are presented.
- Patients experienced no major complications during the course of their condition.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for diagnostic evaluation.
Findings:
- CT imaging, particularly at lung window settings, clearly delineated the gas cysts within the colonic wall.
- The intramural location of the gas cysts was confirmed by CT.
- CT proved to be a valuable tool for diagnosing primary PCI in these patients.
Implications:
- CT imaging is crucial for the accurate diagnosis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis.
- Understanding the characteristic CT findings aids in differentiating primary PCI from other bowel pathologies.
- Non-invasive imaging like CT can confirm the diagnosis and guide management, potentially avoiding more invasive procedures.