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[A case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis associated with ulcerative colitis]
Osamu Arai1, Ken Takeuchi, Takayuki Iida
1Hamamatsu South Hospital Center for Gastroenterology and IBD Research. sssdw321@yahoo.co.jp
Abstract:
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is associated with various diseases, but rarely with inflammatory bowel disease. We describe a rare case of PCI associated with ulcerative colitis. The patient was a 30-year-old man with ulcerative colitis (UC), which was in remission under immunomodulator therapy. Colonoscopic examination around 2 years after a diagnosis of UC revealed multiple hemispherical submucosal tumors (SMT) in the ascending colon and hepatic flexure, with erosion and disappearance of vascular network patterns in the rectum. PCI was diagnosed from the result of colonoscopic examination and computed tomography, and had not changed on colonoscopic examination 2 months later, without any treatment.
Insights
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI), a rare condition, was found in a patient with ulcerative colitis (UC) in remission. This case highlights a rare association between these gastrointestinal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Pathology
Context:
- Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare condition characterized by gas-filled cysts in the gastrointestinal tract.
- While associated with various conditions, PCI is seldom linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting the colon.
Purpose:
- To report a rare case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) occurring in a patient with ulcerative colitis (UC).
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and natural course of PCI in this specific patient population.
Summary:
- A 30-year-old male with a history of UC in remission presented with findings suggestive of PCI.
- Colonoscopy revealed submucosal tumors and altered rectal vasculature, confirmed as PCI by imaging.
- The condition remained stable over two months without specific intervention, suggesting a potential for non-treatment observation in select cases.
Impact:
- This case expands the understanding of rare gastrointestinal manifestations in IBD.
- It underscores the importance of considering PCI in the differential diagnosis of unexplained gastrointestinal findings in UC patients.
- Highlights a potential need for further research into the relationship between PCI and IBD.
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