Extensive Pneumatosis Intestinalis in Association With Celiac Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is generally regarded as a worrying sign due to its relatively frequent association with serious conditions such as acute gastrointestinal necrosis. While PI can also be associated with a wide spectrum of benign conditions, its diagnosis as benign is usually accepted with the exclusion of gangrenous bowel, even in the absence of other clinical signs suggesting ischemia. We report a case of extensive PI in a patient with celiac disease and discuss its management and the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in this condition with emphasis on the different etiologies of PI.