Pneumatosis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Pneumatosis | |||
| image = [[File:Bullous_emphysema_(4858473626).jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = CT scan showing pneumatosis intestinalis | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| synonyms = Pneumatosis intestinalis, intestinal pneumatosis | |||
| symptoms = Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation | |||
| complications = [[Bowel obstruction]], [[perforation (medical)|perforation]], [[peritonitis]] | |||
| onset = Variable | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|COPD]], [[asthma]], [[connective tissue disease]], [[gastrointestinal surgery]] | |||
| risks = [[Immunosuppression]], [[steroid therapy]], [[chemotherapy]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Computed tomography|CT scan]], [[X-ray]], [[endoscopy]] | |||
| differential = [[Pneumoperitoneum]], [[bowel ischemia]], [[inflammatory bowel disease]] | |||
| treatment = [[Oxygen therapy]], [[antibiotics]], [[surgery]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on underlying cause | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Pneumatosis''', also known as '''pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis''' or '''pneumatosis coli''', is a medical condition characterized by the presence of gas-filled cysts in the wall of the [[intestine]]. These cysts can occur in any part of the [[gastrointestinal tract]], but are most commonly found in the [[colon]] and [[small intestine]]. The condition can be associated with a variety of underlying diseases and conditions, and can present with a range of symptoms. | '''Pneumatosis''', also known as '''pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis''' or '''pneumatosis coli''', is a medical condition characterized by the presence of gas-filled cysts in the wall of the [[intestine]]. These cysts can occur in any part of the [[gastrointestinal tract]], but are most commonly found in the [[colon]] and [[small intestine]]. The condition can be associated with a variety of underlying diseases and conditions, and can present with a range of symptoms. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The exact cause of pneumatosis is not known, but it is thought to be related to increased pressure in the [[gastrointestinal tract]], which forces gas into the intestinal wall. This can occur as a result of a variety of conditions, including [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|COPD]], [[cystic fibrosis]], and [[HIV/AIDS]]. Other potential causes include [[trauma]] to the abdomen, [[surgery]], and certain medications. | The exact cause of pneumatosis is not known, but it is thought to be related to increased pressure in the [[gastrointestinal tract]], which forces gas into the intestinal wall. This can occur as a result of a variety of conditions, including [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|COPD]], [[cystic fibrosis]], and [[HIV/AIDS]]. Other potential causes include [[trauma]] to the abdomen, [[surgery]], and certain medications. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of pneumatosis can vary widely, depending on the underlying cause and the location of the cysts. Some people with pneumatosis may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience [[abdominal pain]], [[bloating]], [[diarrhea]], and [[weight loss]]. In severe cases, pneumatosis can lead to [[intestinal obstruction]] or [[perforation]], which can be life-threatening. | The symptoms of pneumatosis can vary widely, depending on the underlying cause and the location of the cysts. Some people with pneumatosis may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience [[abdominal pain]], [[bloating]], [[diarrhea]], and [[weight loss]]. In severe cases, pneumatosis can lead to [[intestinal obstruction]] or [[perforation]], which can be life-threatening. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Pneumatosis is typically diagnosed through [[imaging studies]], such as [[computed tomography|CT scans]] or [[magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]]. These tests can reveal the presence of gas-filled cysts in the intestinal wall. In some cases, a [[biopsy]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. | Pneumatosis is typically diagnosed through [[imaging studies]], such as [[computed tomography|CT scans]] or [[magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]]. These tests can reveal the presence of gas-filled cysts in the intestinal wall. In some cases, a [[biopsy]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The treatment for pneumatosis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, no treatment may be necessary. In more severe cases, treatment may include [[antibiotics]], [[oxygen therapy]], or surgery to remove the affected portion of the intestine. | The treatment for pneumatosis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, no treatment may be necessary. In more severe cases, treatment may include [[antibiotics]], [[oxygen therapy]], or surgery to remove the affected portion of the intestine. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Gastrointestinal tract]] | * [[Gastrointestinal tract]] | ||
* [[Intestinal obstruction]] | * [[Intestinal obstruction]] | ||
* [[Perforation (medicine)|Perforation]] | * [[Perforation (medicine)|Perforation]] | ||
[[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | [[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Digestive]] | [[Category:Symptoms and signs: Digestive]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
[[File:CT_of_lymphocytic_interstitial_pneumonia.jpg|left|thumb|Pneumatosis]] | |||
File: | [[File:Pneumatosis_cystoides_intestinalis_-_low_mag.jpg|thumb|Pneumatosis]] | ||
[[File:X-ray_of_hip_prosthesis_with_pneumarthrosis.jpg|thumb|Pneumatosis]] | |||
File:Pneumatosis_cystoides_intestinalis_-_low_mag.jpg|Pneumatosis | [[File:X-ray_of_shoulder_with_vacuum_sign_-_annotated.jpg|left|thumb|Pneumatosis]] | ||
File:X-ray_of_hip_prosthesis_with_pneumarthrosis.jpg|Pneumatosis | [[File:Subcutaneous_emphysema_abdomen_arrows2.jpg|left|thumb|Pneumatosis]] | ||
File:X-ray_of_shoulder_with_vacuum_sign_-_annotated.jpg|Pneumatosis | |||
File:Subcutaneous_emphysema_abdomen_arrows2.jpg|Pneumatosis | |||
Latest revision as of 01:09, 14 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Pneumatosis | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
| |
| Synonyms | Pneumatosis intestinalis, intestinal pneumatosis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation |
| Complications | Bowel obstruction, perforation, peritonitis |
| Onset | Variable |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | COPD, asthma, connective tissue disease, gastrointestinal surgery |
| Risks | Immunosuppression, steroid therapy, chemotherapy |
| Diagnosis | CT scan, X-ray, endoscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Pneumoperitoneum, bowel ischemia, inflammatory bowel disease |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Oxygen therapy, antibiotics, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Depends on underlying cause |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Pneumatosis, also known as pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis or pneumatosis coli, is a medical condition characterized by the presence of gas-filled cysts in the wall of the intestine. These cysts can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but are most commonly found in the colon and small intestine. The condition can be associated with a variety of underlying diseases and conditions, and can present with a range of symptoms.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of pneumatosis is not known, but it is thought to be related to increased pressure in the gastrointestinal tract, which forces gas into the intestinal wall. This can occur as a result of a variety of conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and HIV/AIDS. Other potential causes include trauma to the abdomen, surgery, and certain medications.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of pneumatosis can vary widely, depending on the underlying cause and the location of the cysts. Some people with pneumatosis may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss. In severe cases, pneumatosis can lead to intestinal obstruction or perforation, which can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis[edit]
Pneumatosis is typically diagnosed through imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRI. These tests can reveal the presence of gas-filled cysts in the intestinal wall. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for pneumatosis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, no treatment may be necessary. In more severe cases, treatment may include antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or surgery to remove the affected portion of the intestine.
