Pneumatosis intestinalis complicating C. difficile pseudomembranous colitis.
Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is characterized by multiple gas-filled cysts or linear gas within the bowel wall. PI may be idiopathic (15%) or secondary (85%) to a variety of disorders. We report here the first otherwise healthy adult with C. difficile infection complicated by PI and review the possible mechanisms of this previously unrecognized complication of pseudomembranous colitis. With treatment of the underlying infection, the PI resolved within 6 days of presentation.
Kreiss
C
C
Division of Gastroenterology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10467, USA.
Forohar
F
F
Smithline
A E
AE
Brandt
L J
LJ
D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000150:complications*