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Pneumatosis intestinalis in a child with AIDS and pseudomembranous colitis
E M Burton1, M G Mercado-Deane, K Patel
1Department of Radiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-3900, USA.
Insights
Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare condition in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This case report details the first instance of PI associated with Clostridium difficile colitis in an AIDS patient.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare finding in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Initial reports in 1990 identified various opportunistic infections in patients with PI and AIDS.
Observation:
- This report describes the fourth child diagnosed with both AIDS and PI.
- This case represents the first documented association between PI and Clostridium difficile colitis in an individual with AIDS.
Findings:
- The patient presented with symptoms indicative of Clostridium difficile infection.
- Diagnostic investigations confirmed the presence of both PI and Clostridium difficile colitis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Clostridium difficile as a potential cause of PI in immunocompromised patients.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms linking Clostridium difficile infection to PI in the context of AIDS.
Abstract:
Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) was first reported in three children and one adult with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1990. The microorganisms cultured from these patients included Cryptosporidium, rotavirus, cytomegalovirus, and Pseudomonas. We report the fourth child with AIDS and PI, and the first with PI to be associated with Clostridium difficile colitis.