Tags: Disease.
Pneumatosis intestinalis is a radiological sign which is highly suggestive for necrotizing enterocolitis. Pneumatosis intestinalis refers to gas cysts in the bowel wall. This is in contrast to gas in the intestinal lumen. In newborns pneumatosis intestinalis is considered diagnostic for necrotizing enterocolitis and the air is produced by bacteria in the bowel wall. The pathogenesis of pneumatosis intestinalis is poorly understood and is likely multifactorial.
