Approach to the management of pneumatosis intestinalis in adults

* Abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness, and/or pain that worsens when the examiner lightly bumps the stretcher.
¶ Mild symptoms include abdominal pain that does not interfere with functioning and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Moderate to severe symptoms include bleeding or abdominal pain that interferes with functioning and the ability to perform activities of daily living.
Δ Antibiotic options include metronidazole, ampicillin, tetracycline, and vancomycin.
◊ Decision to recommend surgery depends on patient presentation, age, comorbidities, and extent of intestine involved.
§ Complications include bowel obstruction, perforation, peritonitis, and necrotic bowel.