Pneumatosis Cystics Intestinalis in Adults Revealed by Peritonitis Due to Intestinal Perforation: A Case Report

Pneumatosis cystics intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of gas within the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It must not be confused with pseudo-pneumatosis (intra-luminal gas trapped between feces and the digestive wall). Its presence alone is not indicative of severity. Suspected pathophysiology (mechanical or bacterial), localization, and radiological characteristics (linear, bubbly, cystic) can guide towards different etiologies, including vascular (mesenteric ischemia), pulmonary, digestive, infectious, or autoimmune causes. In the absence of poor prognostic factors, surgical intervention is not always necessary.