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Pneumoperitoneum without peritonitis after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
M de Magalhaes-Silverman1, J Simpson, E Ball
1Division of Hematology/Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, USA.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
|June 30, 1998
Summary
Allogeneic stem cell transplants can cause complications. This case highlights pneumoperitoneum without peritonitis, linked to colonic pneumatosis, in a patient post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- Allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation (aSCT) is a critical treatment for various hematologic malignancies and other diseases.
- While effective, aSCT carries significant risks of infectious and non-infectious complications.
- Gastrointestinal complications are a known, albeit less common, concern following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Observation:
- A patient who underwent allogeneic peripheral blood cell transplant developed pneumoperitoneum.
- The pneumoperitoneum was specifically noted to be without evidence of peritonitis.
- Associated findings included colonic pneumatosis, indicating gas within the colonic wall.
Findings:
- The presented case demonstrates a rare gastrointestinal complication following allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
- Pneumoperitoneum, the presence of air in the abdominal cavity, occurred in the absence of peritonitis.
- Colonic pneumatosis was identified as a concurrent finding, suggesting a potential link or shared etiology.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering unusual gastrointestinal presentations in post-transplant patients.
- Recognizing pneumoperitoneum without peritonitis in this context may guide diagnostic and management strategies.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms linking aSCT, colonic pneumatosis, and pneumoperitoneum could improve patient outcomes.