Pneumatosis intestinalis. Two case reports and a retrospective review of the literature from 1985 to 1995.

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is characterized by subserosal or submucosal gas-filled cysts of the gastrointestinal tract. The course may be benign or may lead to the need for urgent surgery. Knowledge of the differential diagnosis, course, and treatment modalities are key in providing optimal care to patients who present with this entity. In this article, two cases of "benign" pneumatosis seen at our institution over a one-month period are presented, along with a retrospective review of the English literature from January 1985 to March 1995. Incidence, symptoms, gross and microscopic appearance, radiographic appearance, etiology, differential diagnosis and therapy are reviewed.