Abstract
We report a case of Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) caused by ischemic enteritis, which was cured by conservative treatment. A 80 year old woman developed abdominal distention and was admitted. Tenderness was seen in the left lower quadrant of abdomen, but peritoneal irritation sign was slight and limited. CT scan showed edematous wall thickness from the Transverse colon to the Sigmoid colon, and also emphysema in the subserosal layer which was discontinuous. Slight ascites was seen, but neither free air nor portal venous gas was. Blood examination data showed slight inflammation, but no other abnormal findings. Conservative treatment was chosen from the diagnosis of PI caused by ischemic enteritis. CT scan findings of day 9 after admission, showed no abnormal findings. The patients symptoms and general condition improved and was discharged on day 13 after admission. PI is a rare disease which has many other diseases in the background, and is considered to undergo surgery for suspiciousness of gastrointestinal perforation at times. Treatment plans should be carefully chosen especially in cases like this, which show extensive emphysema in the subserosal layer and ascites.
