CT imaging predictors of pathologic pneumatosis intestinalis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a computed tomography (CT) sign rather than a diagnosis, and it spans a spectrum from incidental benign gas to transmural bowel ischaemia and necrosis. Inappropriate interpretation leads either to delayed surgery for necrotic bowel or to non-therapeutic laparotomy. This review aimed to identify and quantify the abdominal CT findings that discriminate pathologic (life-threatening) PI from benign PI.

Methods