Abstract

SOARES, Paulo et al. Pneumatosis Cystoide Intestinalis . Arq Med [online]. 2005, vol.19, n.3, pp.97-101. ISSN 2183-2447.

Pneumatosis cystoide intestinalis is a rare condition with cystic formations in the gastrointestinal tract wall and when ruptured creates a pneumoperitoneum and a dilemma in the decision by the surgeon - operate or not. The are two different forms, one idiopatic and another secondary, different mechanisms and causes. CT scan is the most specific exam but also plain abdominal radiography, toraccic radiography and US helps in the diagnosis. Laparotomy may act as a diagnosis and therapeutic measure. The use of oxygen and hyperbaric oxygen allows the increase of parcial pressure of tissue oxygen and may be enough for the treatment of light forms of the disease. In conclusion, pneumatosis cystoide Intestinalis is a rare clinical sign or condition that presents an important dilemma in differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, therapeutic strategies and identification of the cause.

Keywords : Pneumatosis; defenition; causes and mecanisms; diagnosis; pneumoperitoneum.

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