When gas-filled cysts are found in subserosa or submucosa of small intestine or colon, it is called

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is transient, thin cysts containing nitrogen & hydrogen in subserosal & submucosal planes of the bowel. It is due to increased intraluminal pressure which forces the gas through the layers of the bowel due to hyperperistalsis. They can occur anywhere in GIT but commonly in jejunum, followed by ileocaecal and colon region. They can rupture into the peritoneal cavity to cause sterile pneumoperitoneum. Intestinal obstruction, haemorrhage, perforations are the complications.