A rare case of benign pneumatosis intestinalis in Sjogren's syndrome

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI)-the presence of intramural bowel gas-is an uncommon radiological finding, the severity of which depends on the underlying pathological process, ranging from benign disease to life-threatening ischaemia and intra-abdominal sepsis. PI has been described in systemic sclerosis and mixed connective tissue disease; however, few cases have been reported in Sjogren's syndrome (SjS). The exact pathogenesis of PI in systemic connective tissue disorders is not fully understood and likely multifactorial. We have described a unique case of PI without evidence of peritonitis in a stable patient with long-standing SjS managed non-operatively. An awareness of such benign PI, particularly amongst patients with systemic connective tissue disease, is crucial for diagnostic accuracy and safe patient care, particularly in preventing unnecessary surgical intervention.