Pneumatosis intestinalis – an illusive disease

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is characterised by pathological gas infiltration into the submucosa and subserosa of the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes with an unclear pathogenesis. The clinical presentation of PI varies, with the diagnosis established via computed tomography (CT), where PI manifests as linear or bubbly gas patterns within the bowel wall. Management often necessitates surgical intervention to address potential life-threatening causes like mesenteric ischemia or bowel necrosis. This case report discusses a 69-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and distension alongside worrisome radiological features indicative of extensive PI, who underwent an exploratory laparotomy that revealed no pathological findings and with an eventual uneventful recovery.