Pneumatosis Intestinalis

Air in the wall of the small or large intestine

Can occur in a variety of clinical settings. Presentations range from benign to life-threatening

Gas can be located in the mucosa, submu...

Symptoms—dependent on location

• Small intestine

  • Vomiting 60%

  • Abdominal distention 59%

  • Weight loss 55%

  • Abdominal pain 53%

  • Diarrhea 27%

• Large intestine

  • Diarrhea 56%

  • Hematochezia 50%

  • Abdominal pain...

Asymptomatic patients do not require therapy: Repeat abdominal imaging every 1-3 months until symptoms resolve. 

Mild to moderate symptoms: medical manageme...

Serial abdominal exams

For asymptomatic patients, follow-up imaging is not required.

Repeat imaging for recurrent symptoms.

Advise adult patients th...

Di Pietropaolo M, Trinci M, Giangregorio C, et al. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: case report and review of literature. Clin J Gastroenterol. 2020;13(1):31...

PI is primarily an incidental, benign finding in adults.

It can be difficult to differentiate primary from secondary PI because they present with similar symptoms.

Management of primary ...