Treatment of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis with high FIO2: report of two cases.

We have successfully treated two patients with symptomatic pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis using a high FIO2 delivered by face mask, with administration interrupted at meal times. While we advocate oxygen therapy for this disease, caution must be taken to avoid the complications of high PaO2, namely proliferative and fibrotic lung changes. Close attention should be paid to the development of increasing cough, dyspnea and shortness of breath. As the frequency of the diagnosis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis increases, the success of high inspired oxygen as therapy should be recognized.