title: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, four cases of a rare disease.
abstract: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a disease in which small gas-filled cysts appear in the intestinal wall. Four cases presented here demonstrate the diversity of the associated diseases. In two of the patients constipation probably played a role; in the third patient decreased colonic motility, elevated intestinal pressure and increased mucosal permeability in the context of enteritis treated with codeine was the underlying problem; in the fourth high protein feeding and bowel ischaemia was diagnosed. Various aetiologies are presented in the literature. There is no specific history and physical or laboratory findings do not help to diagnose PCI. Plain abdominal film, ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, barium contrast studies and/or endoscopy may be necessary for diagnosis. Therapy is based on enhancing partial oxygen pressure in the bowel wall. PCI usually runs a benign course.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Maastricht, Department of Internal Medicine, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R J M W
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Rennenberg
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Koek
authors.forename: Ph
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van Hootegem
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Stockbrügger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen