Focal pneumatosis coli

Case contributed by Mohammad Taghi Niknejad
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Work up for chronic constipation. Incidental finding.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male
ct

Small intramural air bubbles in the wall of the splenic flexure of the colon without frank intraperitoneal air, compatible with focal pneumatosis coli.

A 55 mm simple cortical cyst is present at the upper pole of the right kidney. 

The prostate gland is enlarged. 

Case Discussion

Pneumatosis coli refers to intramural gas limited to the colonic wall. 

In adults, it can have both benign and life-threatening causes and may need more evaluation regarding the patient history and symptoms. 

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