Gastric pneumatosis: the role of CT in diagnosis and patient management

Emerg Radiol. 2011 Jan;18(1):65-73. doi: 10.1007/s10140-010-0888-5. Epub 2010 Jul 22.

Abstract

Gastric pneumatosis is rare, with causes ranging from benign to lethal. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to present a series of cases of gastric pneumatosis, review the causes, and demonstrate how computed tomography (CT) can help guide management. A range of primary gastric pathology can cause air in the wall of the stomach. However, gastric pneumatosis may reflect intraabdominal pathology arising from other hollow viscera, with indicators of the extragastric etiology on CT.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*