Korean J Gastroenterol.  2011 Apr;57(4):249-252. 10.4166/kjg.2011.57.4.249.

A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoids Intestinalis with Polymyositis

• Lee SJ
• Park JY
• Kwon SA
• Koh DH
• Choi MH
• Jang HJ
• Kae SH
• Lee J

• KMID: 1718406
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2011.57.4.249

Abstract

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI), characterized by presence of intramural gas cyst in the intestinal wall is associated with various medical condition. Polymyosistis, however, is rarely associated with PCI. Few cases are reported in the world, and none has not been reported previously in Korea. A 67-year-old woman with polymyositis developed mild abdominal pain and abdominal distension during treatment with steroid and azathioprine. Radiographic findings including CT scan showed intraperitoneal free gas and intramural air, compatible with PCI. The patient's symptom and clinical findings improved after the treatment with antibiotics and high-dose oxygen therapy.

Keyword

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis; Polymyosistis

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
Azathioprine/therapeutic use
Cefotaxime/therapeutic use
Female
Humans
Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis/complications/*diagnosis/drug therapy
Polymyositis/complications/*diagnosis/drug therapy
Prednisolone/therapeutic use
Radiography, Abdominal
Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Plain abdominal radiography showed intraperitoneal free gas and air collection in the ascending and transverse colon.

• 

  Fig. 2. Abdominal CT scan showed intramural gas in ascending and transverse colon.

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  Fig. 3. Plain abdominal radiography 10 days after treatment showed disappearance of intraperitoneal and intramural gas.

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  Fig. 4. Abdominal CT scan 10 days after treatment showed the disappearance of intramural gas.

Reference

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