Pneumatosis intestinalis is the formation of air cysts in the intestinal wall.
Content
Description of the disease
Pneumatosis most often develops in the wall of the small intestine. The exact cause of the disease has not been established.
It is currently believed that three factors contribute to its development:
- excessive formation of gases in the intestinal lumen as a result of the breakdown of sugars by bacteria,
- accumulation of gases due to impaired peristalsis and increased intraintestinal pressure,
- increased permeability of the mucous membrane, which allows gases to penetrate the intestinal wall.
Intestinal pneumatosis can be secondary, that is, develop as a consequence of another disease, for example, intestinal infection, inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms
The main symptom is diarrhea, which is not treated with conventional antidiarrheal drugs.
Patients also experience bloating (flatulence) and abdominal pain.
With severe pneumatosis intestinalis, when massive cysts form, symptoms of intestinal obstruction .
In this case, many small cysts merge into one large gas bubble, which can close the intestinal lumen.
Diagnostics
Intestinal pneumatosis is diagnosed by X-ray examination . In this case, air bubbles located along the intestinal loop or large bubbles are detected on the intestinal contour.
The most accurate picture of intestinal damage is provided by computed tomography (CT).
Differential diagnosis
When diagnosing, it is necessary to exclude intestinal duplications. In the case of intestinal obstruction, the differential diagnosis is made with a tumor or adhesive process.
Treatment
Treatment should be aimed at eliminating all causes of the disease.
It is necessary to restore intestinal motility. For this purpose, the drugs cerucal and prepulsid are used.
The second task is to restore the intestinal microflora. Treatment is described in the article on dysbiosis .
Oxygen inhalations have a good effect, under the influence of which rapid improvement and even recovery often occurs.
To reduce fermentation processes, a diet low in carbohydrates and reducing gas formation .
With secondary pneumatosis, therapy for the underlying disease is necessary.
If intestinal obstruction develops, surgical treatment is possible - removal of the affected area of the intestine.
Forecast
In most cases, the prognosis is favorable.
Loading...
