[A case of recurrent pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis associated with recurrent pneumoperitoneum]

Korean J Gastroenterol. 2007 Sep;50(3):188-92.
[Article in Korean]

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 pneumatosis intestinalis. We report a case of recurrent pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis associated with benign recurrent pneumoperitoneum developed probably secondary to lactitol therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

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

Substances

  • Cathartics
  • Sugar Alcohols
  • lactitol