Diagnostic imaging in intestinal pneumatosis
Dorenberg, E.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 119(22): 3266-3268
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 10533407 Document Number: 511245
Abnormal air in intestinal walls, mesentery and portal veins can be caused by serious illness like gangraena or necrosis. It can also accompany other conditions that may be treated conservatively. We describe three patients with pneumatosis intestinalis. Special emphasis is given to imaging techniques, particularly computer tomography. We recommend continuous axial slices and the use of an oral contrast agent. Correct settings of window and level is important for diagnosis of this rare disease.