• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.13-16
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• 2015

Portal vein gas and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis are uncommon conditions and have been associated with poor prognosis. They are most commonly caused by necrotizing enterocolitis but may have other causes, and they can be associated with necrotizing and ischemic colitis, intra-abdominal abscess, small bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, colon cancer, and acute pancreatitis. With the more frequent use of computed tomography (CT) scans, portal vein gas and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis have been increasingly detected in recent years. Because of its high mortality rate, necrotizing enteritis with portal vein gas and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis may be treated with emergent exploratory laparotomy. We report a case of necrotizing enteritis with portal vein gas and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in a 47-year-old man treated with intensive medical management and delayed operation due to unstable condition and surgical mortality. He had good clinical results without complications after the delayed operation.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.56-59
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• 2017

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas are uncommon radiological findings, but are found commonly in cases of bowel ischemia, or as a result of various non-ischemic conditions. A 72-year-old man visited an emergency center with altered mental status 2 hours after ingestion of an unknown pesticide. On physical examination, he showed the characteristic hydrocarbon or garlic-like odor, miotic pupils with no response to light, rhinorrhea, shallow respiration, bronchorrhea, and sweating over his face, chest and abdomen. Laboratory results revealed decreased serum cholinesterase, as well as elevated amylase and lipase level. We made the clinical diagnosis of organophosphate poisoning in this patient based on the clinical features, duration of symptoms and signs, and level of serum cholinesterase. Activated charcoal, fluid, and antidotes were administered after gastric lavage. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen with intravenous contrast showed acute pancreatitis, poor enhancement of the small bowel, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, portomesenteric venous gas and ascites. Emergent laparotomy could not be performed because of his poor physical condition and refusal of treatment by his family. The possible mechanisms were believed to be direct intestinal mucosal damage by pancreatic enzymes and secondary mucosal disruption due to bowel ischemia caused by shock and the use of inotropics. Physicians should be warned about the possibility of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas as a complication of pancreatitis following anticholinesterase poisoning.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.77 no.5
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• pp.219-222
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• 2014

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a very rare condition that is defined as the presence of gas within the subserosal or submucosal layer of the bowel. PI has been described in association with a variety of conditions including gastrointestinal tract disorders, pulmonary diseases, connective tissue disorders, organ transplantation, leukemia, and various immunodeficiency states. We report a rare case of a 74-year-old woman who complained of dyspnea during the management of acute asthma exacerbation and developed PI; but, it improved without any treatment.