Tuberc Respir Dis.  2014 Nov;77(5):219-222. 10.4046/trd.2014.77.5.219.

Pneumatosis Intestinalis Complicated by Pneumoperitoneum in a Patient with Asthma

• Choi JY
• Cho SB
• Kim HH
• Lee IH
• Lee HY
• Kang HS
• Lee HY
• Lee SY

• KMID: 2050715
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2014.77.5.219

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a very rare condition that is defined as the presence of gas within the subserosal or submucosal layer of the bowel. PI has been described in association with a variety of conditions including gastrointestinal tract disorders, pulmonary diseases, connective tissue disorders, organ transplantation, leukemia, and various immunodeficiency states. We report a rare case of a 74-year-old woman who complained of dyspnea during the management of acute asthma exacerbation and developed PI; but, it improved without any treatment.

Keyword

Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis; Asthma; Adrenal Cortex Hormones

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Aged
Asthma*
Connective Tissue
Dyspnea
Female
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Leukemia
Lung Diseases
Organ Transplantation
Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis
Pneumoperitoneum*
Transplants
Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 (A) Follow-up chest posterior-anterior plain radiograph taken at 14 days after admission shows pneumoperitoneum. (B) Abdominal left lateral decubitus radiograph shows pneumoperitoneum and retropneumoperitoneum.

• 

  Figure 2 (A) Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography shows pneumatosis intestinalis in the distal ascending colon and the proximal transverse colon (arrows). (B) Pneumoperitoneum probably caused by hepatic flexure perforation (arrows) was noted.

• 

  Figure 3 (A) Follow-up chest posterior-anterior plain radiograph taken at 9 days after pneumoperitoneum was noted shows regression of pneumoperitoneum. (B) Follow-up abdominal erect and supine radiographs taken at 9 days after pneumoperitoneum was noted show persistent pneumatosis intestinalis.

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