As a radiological sign it is highly suggestive for necrotizing enterocolitis. This is in contrast to gas in the intestinal lumen (which is relieved by flatulence). In newborns, pneumatosis intestinalis is considered diagnostic for necrotizing enterocolitis, and the gas is produced by bacteria in the bowel wall.
This finding strongly suggests necrotizing enterocolitis as a radiological indicator. This differs from gas in the intestinal lumen, which is typically relieved by flatulence. In newborns, pneumatosis intestinalis is considered diagnostic for necrotizing enterocolitis, and the gas originates from bacteria within the bowel wall.