Korean J Pancreas Biliary Tract.  2016 Jul;21(3):156-162. 10.15279/kpba.2016.21.3.156.

A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis after Erlotinib-containing Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer

• Kim GY
• Kim MK
• Lee DW
• Han J
• Kim HG

• KMID: 2448530
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15279/kpba.2016.21.3.156

Abstract

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon condition that is characterized by the presence of gas within the bowel wall. We experienced a case of PCI after erlotinib-containing chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer. A 66-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with intermittent epigastric pain, and she diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer accompanied by hepatic metastasis. Combination chemotherapy of gemcitabine and erlotinib was started. PCI occurred about 14 months after start of the chemotherapy but she did not complain of abdominal pain and physical examination showed no evidence of peritoneal irritation sign. Laboratory findings showed no abnormalities. Following conservative treatment for 3 days, no specific symptoms were observed, and abdominal X-ray examination showed reduced abnormal air deposition. Erlotinib-containing chemotherapy was continued and PCI had not recurred.

Keyword

Pancreatic cancer; Erlotinib; Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Aged
Drug Therapy*
Drug Therapy, Combination
Erlotinib Hydrochloride
Female
Humans
Neoplasm Metastasis
Pancreatic Neoplasms*
Physical Examination
Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis*
Erlotinib Hydrochloride