The clinical significance of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis: a report of 5 cases.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is an uncommon condition characterized by the presence of gas within the wall of the bowel. In most cases the clinical course is benign and may well be self-limiting, while in others the appearance of pneumatosis may indicate the presence of bowel ischaemia and necessitate emergency laparotomy. This paper describes 5 cases which demonstrate some of the difficulties in diagnosis and management and the improvement which can result from clinical awareness of the condition.