Portal venous air: a benign occurrence
Chawla, K.; Cooper, C.L.; Lowenstein, G.; Kabnick, E.; Alexander, L.L.
Journal of the National Medical Association 80(5): 599; 603-604
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-9684 PMID: 3418739 Document Number: 313925
Air in the portal venous system after a colonic examination (colonoscopy or barium enema) or umbilical vein catheterization is a benign, selflimiting condition. The underlying intestinal pathology, however, is important in determining the status of the patient. Supportive treatment and antibiotic therapy is all that is needed for these patients.