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Benign pneumatosis intestinalis: a cause of massive pneumoperitoneum in the adult

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

David M. Liu ,
William C. Torreggiani ,
Kevin Rowan  and
Savvas Nicolaou
David M. Liu*
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, and the Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC.
William C. Torreggiani
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, and the Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC.
Kevin Rowan
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, and the Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC.
Savvas Nicolaou
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, and the Department of Radiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC.
*
Department of Radiology, JP Pavillion, Rm. 3550, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, 899 West 12th Ave., Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9; 604 839-3548, liudave@sbcglobal.net

Abstract

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Pneumatosis intestinalis (gas in the bowel wall) is often a benign condition, but it may mimic bowel ischemia or infarction and lead to unnecessary surgical intervention, especially when associated with pneumoperitoneum. We present a case of benign pneumatosis intestinalis with massive pneumoperitoneum and discuss various distinguishing features that may aid in its diagnosis.

Keywords

pneumatosis intestinalisradiography
Type
Case Report • Observations de cas
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 5 , Issue 6 , November 2003 , pp. 416 - 420
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2003

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