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Pneumatosis intestinalis
Pneumatosis intestinalis is pneumatosis of an , that is, gas cysts in the bowel wall. As a radiological sign it is highly suggestive for necrotizing enterocolitis. This is in contrast to gas in the lumen. In newborns, pneumatosis intestinalis is considered diagnostic for necrotizing enterocolitis, and the gas is produced by in the bowel wall. The pathogenesis of pneumatosis intestinalis is poorly understood and is likely multifactorial. PI itself is not a disease, but rather a sign. In some cases, PI is an incidental finding, whereas in others, it portends a life-threatening intra- condition.
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