[The association of Pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas].

INTRODUCTION

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.

OBSERVATION

We report a case of Pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas secondary to uterine gangrene after caesarean operation in a 16 year-old woman.

CONCLUSION

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.