Yeungnam Univ J Med.  2009 Jun;26(1):49-55. 10.12701/yujm.2009.26.1.49.

A Case of Pneumatosis Intestinalis in Peritoneal Dialysis Peritonitis

• Jung SY
• Na JH
• Choi YJ
• Koh SA
• Choi KH
• Park JW
• Do JY
• Yun KW

• KMID: 1469820
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2009.26.1.49

Abstract

Peritonitis is a serious problem in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Rarely pneumatosis intestinalis can occur as a complication of this infectious process. Pneumatosis intestinalis is a potential life threatening condition with a challenging management. The mortality of peritoneal dialysis patients with pneumatosis intestinalis secondary to mesenteric ischemia is almost 100%. We describe a rare case of pneumatosis intestinalis in a peritoneal dialysis patient who developed Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis which was initially treated with appropriate antibiotics. Since initial response to therapy was not achieved, an abdominal computerized tomography was done which revealed a pneumatosis intestinalis. A laparotomy was performed and small bowel necrosis was seen. A segmental resection with ileostomy, jejunostomy was done. Though surgical treatment was performed, the patient died in 2 weeks after admission. Pneumocystitis intestinalis in peritoneal dialysis peritonitis is a uncommon complication which requires prompt evaluation to rule out mesenteric ischemia as it carries a high mortality and its management will be surgical.

Keyword

Pneumatosis intestinalis; Peritoneal dialysis peritonitis

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Humans
Ileostomy
Ischemia
Jejunostomy
Laparotomy
Necrosis
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritonitis
Staphylococcus aureus
Anti-Bacterial Agents