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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
10:01
Development of Obliterative Bronchiolitis in a Murine Model of Orthotopic Lung Transplantation
Published on: July 10, 2012
Pneumatosis intestinalis after lung transplant
L M Ho1, P J Mosca, W M Thompson
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, Box 3808, NC 27710, USA. ho000004@mc.duke.edu
Abdominal Imaging
|August 13, 2005
Summary
Pneumatosis intestinalis, a rare finding after lung transplantation, is discussed in this case report. This condition, involving gas in the intestinal wall, is uncommon in organ transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a condition characterized by the presence of gas within the intestinal wall.
- While often idiopathic, PI can be associated with various gastrointestinal and systemic conditions.
- Its occurrence following organ transplantation is infrequently documented.
Observation:
- This report details a case of an adult patient who developed pneumatosis intestinalis after undergoing a lung transplant.
- The patient's clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging findings are described.
- This represents a rare post-operative complication in the context of lung transplantation.
Findings:
- Pneumatosis intestinalis was identified as a complication in an adult lung transplant recipient.
- This specific association between pneumatosis intestinalis and lung transplantation has not been previously reported in the radiology literature.
- The case highlights a potential, albeit uncommon, sequela of lung transplantation.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that clinicians and radiologists should consider pneumatosis intestinalis in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms in lung transplant patients.
- Further investigation may be warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and risk factors for PI post-lung transplantation.
- This case adds to the limited literature on gastrointestinal complications after solid organ transplantation.
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