Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis with Pneumoperitoneum Complicating Systemic Sclerosis: A Case Report.
- Author:
Jae Uk IM
1
;
Eun Hye KIM
;
Hong Gil JUN
;
Ji Seon OH
;
Seung Won CHOI
;
Byeong Seong KANG
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea. choisw@uuh.ulsan.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis;
Pneumoperitoneum;
Systemic sclerosis
- MeSH:
Gastrointestinal Tract;
Humans;
Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis;
Pneumoperitoneum;
Scleroderma, Systemic;
Thorax
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2013;84(6):868-872
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The gastrointestinal tract is commonly involved in patients with systemic sclerosis. The manifestations include motility disorder, pseudo-obstruction, malabsorption, bacterial overgrowth, diverticuli, and, less commonly, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI). PCI is characterized by the presence of air in the submucosal or subserosal layer of the bowel wall and is often accompanied by pneumoperitoneum. Although PCI is a benign condition that often responds to conservative management, it is a poor prognostic factor of systemic sclerosis. We report a case of PCI in a patient with systemic sclerosis. The chest and abdominal radiographic findings comprised pneumoperitoneum, marked dilation of the bowels, and intramural air, compatible with PCI. The patient's symptoms improved spontaneously. It is important to recognize PCI as a gastrointestinal manifestation of systemic sclerosis, and physicians should differentiate it from serious complications-such as intestinal perforation-based on clinical manifestations.
