Pneumatosis Intestinalis: To Biopsy or Not to Biopsy?

Cureus. 2020 Dec 18;12(12):e12140. doi: 10.7759/cureus.12140.

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare condition characterized by multiple air-filled cystic lesions in the submucosa or subserosa of the intestine. Despite a limited understanding of its pathogenesis, the causes of PI can be categorized into life-threatening or benign, which helps guide patient management. For benign etiologies, interventions should be minimized and endoscopic maneuvers should be avoided as most of these cases can be managed conservatively. We present a patient with asymptomatic, benign PI who subsequently developed symptoms following cyst biopsy during a screening colonoscopy.

Keywords: pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis; pneumatosis intestinalis; screening colonoscopy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports