Diagnostic laparoscopy for pneumatosis intestinalis: to do or not to do?

Am J Emerg Med. 2014 Dec;32(12):1555.e1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2014.04.042. Epub 2014 Apr 26.

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare clinical condition, which is commonly associated with mesenteric vascular ischemia, bowel obstruction, and chemotherapy. Although the pathophysiology of PI remains unclear, 2 theories, one mechanical and the other bacterial, have been proposed. Nonoperative medical treatment and observation should be considered in mild cases, but occasionally, the situation requires emergency surgical intervention. In cases of suspectful complicated PI, the clinician should not avoid performing diagnostic laparoscopy to rule out bowel ischemia and perforation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / complications
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / diagnosis*
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / surgery