Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis: Report of a New Case of a Patient with Artropathy and Asthma

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon entity without the characteristics of a disease by itself and it is characterized by the presence of gas cysts within the submucosa or subserosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Its precise etiology has not been clearly established and several hypotheses have been postulated regarding the pathogenesis. Since it was fi rst described by Du Vernoy in autopsy specimens in 1730 and subsequently named by Mayer as Cystoides intestinal pneumatosis in 1825, it has been reported in some studies. PCI is defi ned by physical or radiographic fi ndings and it can be divided into a primary and secondary forms. In the fi rst instance, no identifi able causal factors are detected whether secondary forms are associated with a wide spectrum of diseases, ranging from life-threatening to innocuous conditions. For this reason, PCI management can vary from urgent surgical procedure to clinical, conservative treatment. The clinical onset may be very heterogeneous and represent a challenge for the clinician.