title: [Pneumatosis cystoides intestinii].
abstract: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI), a condition involving submucosal or subserosal gas-containing cysts of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, is a rare entity. It is mostly diagnosed between the third and fifth decades of life without a clear sexual predominance. Different aetiopathogenetic factors are under discussion, the most probable being a bacteriologic cause (Clostridium perfringens) in combination with minimal leaks in the mucosal barrier. There are no pathognomonic symptoms; the clinical picture ranges from incidental findings to haematochezia. Diagnosis is based on plain abdominal film and X-ray following barium enema. Methods of treatment in symptomatic cases are oxygen and antibiotic (metronidazole) therapies and, in severe cases, resection of the diseased part of the intestine.
authors.affiliation: Chirurgische Klinik, RWTH Aachen.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bertram
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Treutner
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Winkeltau
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Booss
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Staatz
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Schumpelick
mesh_terms: D003082:Colectomy; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography
vernacular_title: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinii.