Pneumatosis coli complicated with intussusception in an adult: report of a case.

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare condition of unclear etiology affecting the intestinal tract; possible complications include obstruction, intussusception, volvulus, hemorrhage, and intestinal perforation. Pneumatosis intestinalis can occur as a primary idiopathic disease or as a condition secondary to various gastrointestinal and pulmonary diseases. This report presents an uncommon case of PI complicated with intussusception of the ascending colon in a male patient who underwent surgery for suspected lipomatosis that was histologically diagnosed as pneumatosis coli. Since the patient suffered from no other disorder, he was finally diagnosed as having primary PI. Physician awareness of this rare condition is essential in order to avoid a misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical treatment.