Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis – An Incidental Post-Operative Rare Case Report in Port Sudan Teaching Hospital, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Pneumatosis intestinalis also called Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare disease and difficult to diagnosis that confuses many doctors. A vast number of factors are suspected to contribute to its pathogenesis, such as Crohn’s disease, intestinal stenosis, ulcerative colitis, drug use, extra-gastrointestinal diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Case Report: A 41-year-old man presented to port Sudan teaching hospital on 20 July 2021 with symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal distension. A physical examination revealed tenderness all over the abdomen. Then patient was admitted to the hospital, and resuscitation was done. Laboratory investigations revealed no abnormalities. Radiological investigation: abdominal ultrasonography and plain abdomen x-ray showed signs of intestinal obstruction. Finally, patient was undergone exploratory laparotomy on next day. Final diagnosis reached after result of histopatlogy was presented as: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Conclusions: Pneumatosis intestinalis difficult to diagnosis, so an efficient recognition of the clinical scenario, encompassing the current clinical context, comorbid conditions, physical examination findings, laboratory data, and radiographic details, assists the clinician in reaching the correct diagnosis and offering appropriate treatment.