Abstract

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon clinical condition of undetermined etiology that is characterized by multiple subserosal or submucosal gas-filled cysts. PCI may be associated with gastrointestinal, pulmonary or connective vascular diseases. The clinical manifestations are non-specific. PCI is diagnosed by plain X-ray or CT of the abdomen. The clinical course and prognosis are usually good. Complications such as intestinal obstruction, intussusceptions and bowel perforation can occur in rare cases. Here we report a case of PCI in a chordoma patient with tetraplegia who complained of abdominal distension. The patient was diagnosed by plain X-ray which showed bubbles in the small bowel. The abdominal distension and the bubbles were markedly improved by conservative treatment. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2010;40:378-381)

• Keywords: Chordoma, Peumatosis cystoides intestinalis