Slovenská chirurgia 2/2022

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) – a rare finding during colonoscopy

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a low-incidence disease characterized by the presence of multiple gas-filled cysts in the submucosa and/or subserosa of the intestinal wall. There are several factors that are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of a given disease. The clinical picture can be very heterogeneous and is a challenge for the physician. The diagnosis can be made by a simple X-ray examination of the abdomen or by colonoscopic examination, but in 1/3 of all cases a computed tomography is necessary. Most cases of cystoid pnematosis are harmless, but due to difficulties in distinuishing it from a perforated ulcer and necrotizing enterocolitis, a certain percentage of patients undergo unnecessary surgery.

Keywords: pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, endoscopic intervention, complication