Portal venous gas in a domestic shorthair cat with large cell lymphoma

Abstract Portal venous gas is defined as air within the portal venous system, whereas pneumobilia is defined as gas within the biliary tract. This report describes an 11.5‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthair being managed for large cell lymphoma. While being hospitalised, the patient was noted to have evidence of portal venous gas on diagnostic imaging. The case study highlights common underlying causes of portal venous gas and pneumobilia in addition to diagnostic options and findings for evaluation. The most common cause of portal venous gas is bowel necrosis. Ultrasound and computed tomography scan are the most sensitive diagnostic methods in differentiation. Being familiar with the radiographic signs of and potential underlying causes of portal venous gas and pneumobilia may allow for more prompt investigations of potentially life‐threatening underlying causes. If recent surgical manipulation to the hepatobiliary/hepatoenteric system is not present and there is no history of trauma, then further diagnostic workup should be performed to evaluate for an underlying cause. Treatment of portal venous gas and pneumobilia is based on treating the suspected underlying cause.