Diagnostic yield of portal venous gas and pneumatosis intestinalis: Does it always mandate a trip to the OR?

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) and pneumatosis intestinal is (PI) are worrisome signs when seen on imaging as they are associated with intestinal ischemia. However, they have multiple etiologies, some benign and some not. It is important for the clinician to be able to differentiate which patient requires operative intervention and which does not. This article will aim to review the available literature regarding the HPVG & PI with the purpose of aiding clinicians to differentiate pathological from benign HPVG & PI.