Etiology of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is an uncommon condition of previously unknown etiology. Experimental work is discussed which proves that either one of at least two clostridial species can produce PCI after relatively atraumatic contamination of the peritoneal cavity of germfree animals. This work strongly supports the bacterial etiology of PCI. It further suggests that vigorous and early treatment be directed toward control of the clostridial organisms in those cases where fulminating conditions associated with PCI are present.