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Pneumatosis
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<p>Pneumatosis is the abnormal presence of air or other gas within <a href="/facts/Tissue_(biology)/H7CpML7A">tissues</a>. </p><p>In the lungs, <a href="/facts/Emphysema/ud3oXGCr">emphysema</a> involves enlargement of the distal airspaces, and is a major feature of <a href="/facts/Chronic_obstructive_pulmonary_disease/ud3oXGCr">chronic obstructive pulmonary disease</a> (COPD). Other pneumatoses in the lungs are focal (localized) <a href="/facts/Focal_lung_pneumatosis/5HfY6qn9">blebs and bullae</a>, <a href="/facts/Focal_lung_pneumatosis/5HfY6qn9">pulmonary cysts and cavities</a>. </p><p><a href="/facts/Pneumoperitoneum/k9eN6ps5">Pneumoperitoneum</a> (or peritoneal emphysema) is air or gas in the <a href="/facts/Abdominal_cavity/S2XdDfFv">abdominal cavity</a>, and is most commonly caused by <a href="/facts/Gastrointestinal_perforation/TjuCNtyk">gastrointestinal perforation</a>, often the <a href="/facts/Iatrogenesis/GfgeWAXs">result of surgery</a>. </p><p>Pneumarthrosis, the presence of air in a joint, is rarely a serious sign. </p>