Hepatic Portal Venous Gas Associated with Emphysematous Gastritis: an Unusual Cause of Acute Abdomen with a Benign Course

Abstract

Portal venous gas is a well-established image finding in neonates and adults. When it is present, more than two-thirds of cases are associated with bowel necrosis necessitating surgical intervention. We present a 24-year-old woman with acute abdomen. The image findings of both portal venous gas and emphysematous gastritis led to a diagnostic laparoscopy, and no bowel necrosis was found. The patient recovered six days after conservative medical therapy. The significance of finding portal venous gas and its possible etiology are discussed.