Abdominal tuberculosis in a child presenting with radiological evidence of pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas

Pneumatosis intestinalis,in association with portal venous gas,is a rare finding in children and young adults. in radiological studies,it is characterized by gas-filled cysts within the bowel-wall. it is often a sign of the serious significant underlying illness and is associated with a poor prognosis. a case of pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas associated with abdominal tuberculosis in a child is presented here. despite responding well to anti-tubercular treatment,he died suddenly at home,two months after discharge. it is recommended that cases with pneumatosis intestinalis should be carefully observed,although symptoms appear to be improving. © international centre for diarrhoeal disease research,bangladesh.