Computed tomography colonography imaging of pneumatosis intestinalis after hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Pneumatosis intestinalis is a condition characterized by the presence of submucosal or subserosal gas cysts in the wall of digestive tract. Pneumatosis intestinalis often remains asymptomatic in most cases but may clinically present in a benign form or less frequently in fulminant forms. Treatment for such conditions includes antibiotic therapy, diet therapy, oxygen therapy and surgery. Case presentation The present report describes the case of a 56-year-old Swiss-born man with symptomatic pneumatosis intestinalis resistant to all treatment except hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as showed by computed tomography colonography images performed before, during and after treatment. Conclusions The current case describes the response to hyperbaric oxygen therapy using virtual colonoscopy technique one month and three months after treatment. Moreover, after six months of follow-up, there has been no recurrence of digestive symptoms.