Pneumatosis intestinalis associated with enteral feeding by catheter jejunostomy.
Pneumatosis intestinalis is an unusual, but potentially serious, postoperative complication. The differential diagnosis includes life-threatening conditions, such as intestinal necrosis, that may require immediate surgical intervention. The authors describe a case of pneumatosis intestinalis occurring postoperatively in a seriously ill patient with advanced ovarian cancer. The cause of pneumatosis intestinalis was attributed to enteral feeding by catheter jejunostomy, and a successful outcome is reported after conservative management. As the use of enteral feeding through catheter jejunostomies will likely increase, this cause of pneumatosis intestinalis must be recognized.
D000368:Aged; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000601:surgery; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D007583:Jejunum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D007813:Laparotomy; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects; D011859:Radiography