Pneumatosis Intestinalis with Pneumoperitoneum Mimicking Intestinal Perforation in a Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
10.3904/kjim.2007.22.1.40
- Author:
Bhumsuk KEAM
1
;
Jeong Hoon LEE
;
Myoung Don OH
;
Inho KIM
;
Sung Soo YOON
;
Byoung Kook KIM
;
Seonyang PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. seonpark@plaza.snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis;
Pneumoperitoneum;
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- MeSH:
Pneumoperitoneum/*diagnosis;
Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis/*diagnosis/pathology/therapy;
Myelodysplastic Syndromes/*diagnosis/pathology;
Male;
Intestinal Perforation/*diagnosis;
Humans;
*Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation;
Diagnosis, Differential;
Adult
- From:The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine
2007;22(1):40-44
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is an uncommon disorder characterized by an accumulation of gas in the bowel wall, and has been associated with a variety of disorders and procedures. We describe a 35-year-old man who undertook hematopoietic stem cell transplantation due to myelodysplastic syndrome. An abdominal X-ray demonstrated extensive PI with pneumoperitoneum mimicking hollow organ perforation. However, the patient had no abdominal symptoms and there was no evidence of peritoneal inflammation. After two weeks of conservative management, including bowel rest and antibiotics, his pneumoperitoneum resolved spontaneously without any complications. Of the many factors that affect the gastrointestinal tract mucosal integrity, intramural pressure, and bacterial flora-produced intraluminal gas interact to produce PI. If the condition is accompanied by bowel ischemia, portomesenteric venous gas, metabolic acidosis, and abdominal sepsis, or if PI is severe in extent immediate surgical intervention is indicated. The described case supports that a mechanical rather than a bacterial etiology underlies the pathogenesis of PI.
