Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis of Small Bowel: Rare Disease Mimicking Acute Abdomen

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a low incidence disease characterized by the presence of multiple gas-filled cysts within the submucosa or subserosa of the small intestinal wall. It occurs in approximately 0.03% of population. Its pathogenesis is uncertain and several pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed to explain its origin such as Crohn?s disease, intestinal stenosis, ulcerative colitis, drug use, extra-gastrointestinal diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most consider its pathogenesis interrelated to an increase in intra-intestinal pressure and the accumulation of gas produced by aerogenic bacteria. In this study, we present the case of acute abdomen who underwent exploratory laparotomy and who had pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis determined histologically.