Pneumatosis coli and sigmoid volvulus: a report of 4 cases.
Pneumatosis coli is an uncommon disease which is frequently misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated. The condition can usually be managed conservatively but complications requiring surgical treatment are occasionally encountered. We describe 4 patients with pneumatosis coli and associated volvulus of the sigmoid colon. Some of the factors that may have contributed to pneumocyst formation in these 4 patients are discussed with reference to recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of pneumatosis coli.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000150:complications*; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000209:etiology*; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000150:complications*