Korean J Hematol.  2012 Mar;47(1):74-76. 10.5045/kjh.2012.47.1.74.

Asymptomatic pneumatosis intestinalis following chemotherapy for B lymphoblastic leukemia with recurrent genetic abnormalities in an adolescent patient

• Shin DK
• Oh J
• Yoon H
• Kim JE
• Chong SY
• Oh D

• KMID: 2251974
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5045/kjh.2012.47.1.74

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare condition characterized by multiple pneumocysts in the submucosa or subserosa of the bowel. Here, we report a rare case of asymptomatic PI after chemotherapy induction in an 18-yr-old man with B lymphoblastic leukemia with recurrent genetic abnormalities. The patient was treated conservatively and recovered without complications. The possibility of PI should be considered as a complication during or after chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. Conservative treatment should be considered unless there are complications, including peritonitis, bowel perforation, and severe sepsis.

Keyword

Pneumatosis intestinalis; B lymphoblastic leukemia with recurrent genetic abnormalities; Chemotherapy

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Hematologic Neoplasms
Humans
Peritonitis
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
Sepsis

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Chest X-ray demonstrating perigastric and pericolic gas accumulation.

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  Fig. 2 Abdominal X-ray demonstrating a hyperlucent shadow along the entire colon.

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  Fig. 3 (A) Abdominal computed tomography (CT) image revealed pneumoperitoneum and pneumoretroperitoneum. (B) Abdominal CT image showed intramural and extramural gas of the ascending and transverse colon. It is seen more easily using a lung window setting.

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