Pneumatosis

Pneumatosis
Left lung completely affected by bullae shown in contrast to a normal lung on the right.
CausesTobacco smoking, pollutants

Pneumatosis is the abnormal presence of air or other gas within tissues.[1]

In the lungs, emphysema involves enlargement of the distal airspaces,[2] and is a major feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other pneumatoses in the lungs are focal (localized) blebs and bullae, pulmonary cysts and cavities.

Pneumoperitoneum (or peritoneal emphysema) is air or gas in the abdominal cavity, and is most commonly caused by gastrointestinal perforation, often the result of surgery.

Pneumarthrosis, the presence of air in a joint, is rarely a serious sign.

  1. ^ "Medical Definition of PNEUMATOSIS". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  2. ^ page 64 in: Adrian Shifren (2006). The Washington Manual Pulmonary Medicine Subspecialty Consult, Washington manual subspecialty consult series. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 9780781743761.