This radiograph from a 53-year-old woman revealed esophageal stricture with proximal dilatation in addition to pneumoperitoneum. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) was diagnosed.

Which statement about PCI is NOT true?

A. PCI can be caused by medical conditions that increase the risk of air entering the abdominal cavity.

C. The diagnosis of PCI is primarily radiologic, but positive radiologic findings are lacking in about one-third of patients.

B. PCI is seen more frequently in women, with a peak incidence between ages 30 and 60 years.

D. Histology is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

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Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis: What’s the Truth?

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