Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing a Rat Model for Pouchitis Research and Treatment
Published on: May 31, 2024
Idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis secondary to lactulose use in patients with cirrhosis
Lee J Varelas1, Matthew J Klinge2, Shahid M Malik2
1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Background And Aim:
Few case reports exist that link lactulose use with pneumatosis intestinalis in cirrhotics. This study investigates the relationship between lactulose use and idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis in a cohort of cirrhotic patients.
Methods:
This case series considers several notable cases of patients with idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis and concurrent lactulose use. Idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis was defined as pneumatosis intestinalis with no identifiable etiology. A cohort of 119 patients with cirrhosis and pneumatosis intestinalis were identified in a tertiary care setting, via chart review by a multidisciplinary team. Eleven of these patients were found to have idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis. Nine of these patients were being treated with lactulose.
Results:
Six out of 9 patients with idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis that were being treated with lactulose saw resolution of pneumatosis intestinalis following discontinuation of treatment.
Conclusions:
The etiology of idiopathic pneumatosis intestinalis is likely multifactorial, but lactulose might play a preventable role in its formation.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...

