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Pneumatosis Coli Associated with Pseudomembranous Colitis in a Patient following Colonic Surgery

Jennifer Bailey1, Eldon A Shaffer

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Teaching Research & Wellness Building, Room 6D48, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N4N1.

Case Reports in Medicine
|November 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pneumatosis intestinalis, a rare condition of gas in the intestinal wall, can be linked to pseudomembranous colitis, especially after antibiotic use. Early recognition aids treatment and avoids unnecessary procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Pneumatosis intestinalis is a rare condition characterized by gas cysts in the intestinal wall, with unclear etiology in 15% of cases.
  • Most cases are secondary to underlying medical conditions, including gastrointestinal diseases.

Observation:

  • A case of pneumatosis coli occurred post-abdominal surgery in a patient with pseudomembranous colitis.
  • The pseudomembranous colitis tested negative for Clostridium difficile toxin, suggesting a potential false negative.

Findings:

  • Supportive care and antibiotics effectively resolved the pneumatosis coli and associated symptoms.
  • This case highlights an uncommon association between pneumatosis coli and pseudomembranous colitis.

Implications:

  • Recognizing this association can prevent costly and invasive diagnostic procedures.
  • Pseudomembranous colitis should be considered in antibiotic-exposed patients with pneumatosis coli, after ruling out gut ischemia.

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