A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis Mimicking Intestinal Perforation

An 85-year-old man was referred to the Department of Gastroenterological and General Surgery after complaining of abdominal pain and distention. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed intra-abdominal free air, mimicking perforated peritonitis, with air collection within the jejunum bowel wall. On the basis of these findings, we made a diagnosis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) with intra-abdominal free air. The PCI signs had disappeared completely by Day 7 of hospitalization. The patient was discharged from hospital after 15 days. At the time of writing, the patient's PCI has not reappeared. This case highlights the clinical importance of PCI, and that the lung window settings of abdominal CT are useful tools to enable an accurate diagnosis of PCI.