Abstract:

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare disease characterised by numerous gas-filled cysts in the intestinal wall. This case report is aimed to present the diagnosis and treatment process of a case of PCI treated with intestinal resection. A 56-year-old female was admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary health centre with complaints of abdominal pain and vomiting for about two days. In the abdominal examination of the patient, there was widespread tenderness and defence in all abdominal quadrants with a rebound. Laboratory parameters of the patient were unremarkable. The plain abdominal X-ray observed no free air in the right subdiaphragmatic area. Computed tomography showed dilatation, increased wall thickness and multiple free airs in the small bowel loops, predominantly localised in the left upper quadrant. The patient underwent a diagnostic laparotomy. Diffuse air bubbles were observed along the transverse colon wall at laparotomy. The patient underwent transverse colon resection and colocolic anastomosis with a linear stapler. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. The pathological evaluation of the surgical specimen was suitable with PCI.

Keywords: