Linear asymptomatic pneumatosis as an unexpected finding of computed tomography colonography: a case report.
BACKGROUND
We discuss asymptomatic colonic pneumatosis, an unexpected finding of computed tomography colonography that we must see as distinct from perforation. Among the papers detailing complications with computed tomography colonography, we found only one report focusing on linear pneumatosis.


METHODS
We report the case of a 75-year-old Caucasian woman who had a high level of carcinoembryonic antigen, and who underwent computed tomography colonography. Our patient accidentally fell from a chair in the radiology department just before the examination, experiencing a right hip trauma. The examination was negative for colonic lesions but revealed the presence of some air bubbles in her right colon. Our patient remained asymptomatic throughout the procedure and afterwards; no intervention or treatment was necessary.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiologists should consider colonic linear pneumatosis among the potential complications of computed tomography colonography, even if it is a rare event, to avoid unnecessary therapy and anxiety for the patient.
Unità Operativa Radiologia Diagnostica e Interventistica, Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, via A di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milano, Italy. nicola.flor@unimi.it.
Nicola
N
Flor
Paola
P
Pricolo
Antonio
A
Rovere
Miriam
M
Mezzanzanica
Mauro
M
Peri
Gianpaolo
G
Cornalba