A case in which portal venous air secondary to bowel necrosis from systemic lupus erythema-tosis was diagnosed by ultrasound examination is reported. Radiographic and computed tomo-graphic examinations failed to identify the abnormality. The sonographic findings were characteristic of this condition. Sonographic findings in cases of portal venous air are dis-cussed, as are guidelines for distinguishing be-tween this entity and pneumobilia.
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