Korean J Gastroenterol.  2007 Sep;50(3):188-192.

A Case of Recurrent Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis Associated with Recurrent Pneumoperitoneum

• Park JY
• Yoon JY
• Min SY
• Hong SK
• Park JS
• Jang EJ
• Baik HW
• Park SJ

Abstract

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is an uncommon condition of unknown etiology, characterized by the presence of multiple gas filled cysts in the gastrointestinal tract. Many different causes of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis have been proposed, including mechanical, pulmonary, and bacterial causes. Approximately 85% of cases are thought to be secondary to coexisting disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or the respiratory system. The condition has been associated with the therapeutic uses of lactulose, steroids, and various cancer chemotherapeutic regimens. Lactitol is a disaccharide analogue of lactulose which is available as a pure crystalline powder. There are three previous case reports suggestive of lactulose causing pnumatosis intestinalis. We report a case of recurrent pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis associated with benign recurrent pneumoperitoneum developed probably secondary to lactitol therapy.

Keyword

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis; Pneumoperitoneum; Lactitol

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cathartics/adverse effects/therapeutic use
Female
Humans
Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis/*diagnosis/etiology/radiography
Pneumoperitoneum/complications/*diagnosis
Recurrence
Sugar Alcohols/adverse effects/therapeutic use
Tomography, X-Ray Computed