Aggeliki Krikri

Background/Objectives: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition in children characterized by gas-filled cysts in the intestinal wall. The presence of pneumoperitoneum poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, often mimicking gastrointestinal perforation. This systematic review aims to summarize the existing evidence on PCI-associated pneumoperitoneum in children. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline for articles published from January 1972 to March 2025. Studies involving patients ≤16 years old with PCI-related pneumoperitoneum and providing information on clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were included. Data extraction and study selection were independently performed by two reviewers in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: Out of 209 articles initially identified, 23 studies comprising 95 pediatric cases (age range: 4 months–14 years) were included. The majority had underlying conditions such as malignancies, autoimmune disorders, or gastrointestinal motility issues and were often treated with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants. Most cases were incidentally diagnosed through radiographic imaging. Conservative treatment (bowel rest, antibiotics, parenteral nutrition) was applied in 85% of cases, while surgical intervention occurred in 11%. Only three cases had confirmed intestinal perforation. All patients experienced resolution of PCI; however, 20 died due to unrelated underlying diseases. Conclusion: Despite the case heterogeneity of this review, PCI-related pneumoperitoneum in children is an uncommon but clinically important entity, particularly in immunocompromised patients, that may lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery. Conservative management is effective in most cases, and clinical findings should guide treatment decisions. Increased awareness among pediatricians and surgeons is crucial to avoid overtreatment.

Background/Objectives: Entero-enteric fistula (EEF) formation following multiple magnet ingestion is a rare but severe complication among pediatric patients. The widespread availability of neodymium magnets in toys has increased incidence of ingestion and subsequent gastrointestinal injuries. This systematic review aims to summarize the clinical features, diagnostics, management and outcomes of pediatric EEF cases related to magnet ingestion and report our institution’s experience with four such cases. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed/Medline (January 1995–February 2025), focusing on EEF after ingestion of ≥2 magnets in patients ≤18 years old. Studies reporting original EEF cases were included. Data extraction included demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, intervention type, fistula number/location, hospital stay, complications and outcomes. Four institutional cases were also analyzed. Results: Sixty-nine studies encompassing 130 pediatric patients were included. Median age was 3.3 years; 58% were male. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (43%) and vomiting (29%). Abdominal X-ray identified magnets in all cases. Surgical intervention was required in 95.5%, while 5.5% were treated endoscopically. Ileal and jejunal fistulas were most common. Postoperative complications occurred in 19%, including bowel obstruction, infection and one death. Our four cases, aged 2 months to 5 years, each required surgery, with one patient readmitted for obstruction managed conservatively. Conclusions: Despite the case heterogeneity of this review, EEF is a potentially life-threatening complication of multiple magnet ingestion in children. Prompt diagnosis with abdominal X-ray and timely surgical management are essential. Increased clinical suspicion and public awareness are crucial for prevention and early intervention.