PNEUMATOSIS-CYSTOIDES-INTESTINALIS - LAPAROSCOPIC FEATURES

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a condition characterized by the presence of gas-filled cysts in the submucosa or subserosa of t he gastrointestinal tract. PCI has been described by various radiograp hic methods but its laparoscopic features have not been previously des cribed. We report a case of a 77-yr-old male with marked ascites and r adiographic evidence of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis of the ileu m who underwent a laparoscopy to determine the cause of his ascites. T he characteristic laparoscopic features of PCI are described, and its radiographic features are reviewed.