[Pneumatosis intestinalis. Report of 3 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical, radiological, morphological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of three cases of pneumatosis intestinalis.

METHODS

From 1982 to 1999, cases diagnosed as pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis were reviewed. The laboratory results, X-ray findings, clinical course, treatment and evolution were obtained from the clinical charts. Slides and macroscopic photos were obtained from the surgical pathology files. New slides were obtained from the paraffin blocks for immunohistochemical detection of endothelial cells (CD 31) and macrophagic cells (CD 68).

RESULTS

We found three patients with pneumatosis intestinalis associated to a history of abdominal surgeries from 936 enteral resections (0.3%). These three patients showed clinical features of intestinal obstruction. Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis showed pseudocysts without an epithelial and endothelial lining. Some spaces were lined by multinucleated giant cells positive for CD 68 and endothelial cells that were CD 31 positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Antecedent of obstruction and abdominal surgeries were the constant association with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Most lesions were pseudocysts without epithelial or endothelial lining.