Prolonged Barium-Impaction Ileus in Two Lung Transplant Recipients With Systemic Sclerosis: Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with end-stage lung disease may undergo lung transplantation.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of SSc can negatively impact transplant outcomes.
• Enteral feeding via gastrojejunal tubes is a strategy for managing SSc-related esophageal and gastric disease.

Observation:

• This report details two lung transplant recipients with SSc.
• Both patients developed severe, prolonged barium-impaction ileus.
• The ileus occurred after the insertion of a percutaneous gastrojejunal feeding tube.

Findings:

• Percutaneous gastrojejunal feeding tubes can precipitate severe gastrointestinal complications in SSc lung transplant recipients.
• Barium-impaction ileus is a significant risk in this patient population.
• The interaction between SSc-related GI dysmotility and feeding tube use requires careful consideration.

Implications:

• Clinicians should exercise caution when using percutaneous gastrojejunal feeding tubes in SSc lung transplant candidates and recipients.
• Alternative nutritional support strategies may be necessary to mitigate the risk of ileus.
• Further research is needed to optimize GI management and improve transplant outcomes in SSc patients.