[A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis Secondary to Gefitinib Therapy for Lung Adenocarcinoma]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2015 Jul;42(7):847-9.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a relatively rare condition, characterized by subserosal or submucosal air within the bowel wall. Herein, we report a rare case of PCI secondary to treatment with an epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). A 71-year-old man, who had received gefitinib therapy for 2 years and 5 months for lung adenocarcinoma with metastases to the bones and brain, presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed intramural air in the small bowel, free air in the abdomen, and moderate ascites. A diagnosis of PCI was made, and the patient was managed conservatively by discontinuing gefitinib treatment, because his vital signs were stable and there was no sign of peritonitis. The patient's symptoms gradually improved, and follow-up CT after 1 week revealed that the initial findings had almost completely resolved. Clinicians should note that treatment with gefitinib might cause PCI.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma of Lung
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diarrhea / etiology
  • Gefitinib
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / chemically induced*
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / diagnostic imaging
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects*
  • Quinazolines / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vomiting / etiology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Quinazolines
  • Gefitinib