The association of Pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas
Kunin, N.; Verbrackel, L.; Morin-Chouarbi, V.; Cressy, G.
Presse Medicale 32(40): 1892-1893
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 14713869 Document Number: 564720
Pneumatosis intestinalis is the presence of air in a wall of a section of the digestive tract. Portal venous gas is a radiological sign that corresponds to the presence of air in the portal vein. Their association, observed among others in certain pathologies such as the blunt abdominal trauma, endoscopic procedures or anaerobic infections, is a factor of severity. We report a case of Pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas secondary to uterine gangrene after caesarean operation in a 16 year-old woman. Diagnosis of Pneumatosis intestinalis in association with portal venous gas is an emergency indication for surgery in the case of septicaemia, although exhibiting a high rate of complications and mortality.