Gastric pneumatosis after endoscopic argon plasma coagulation.
BACKGROUND
Endoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) is gaining widespread usage but its risk is underreported.


METHODS
A 74-year-old man who received radical radiotherapy for gastric carcinoma 6 months ago was admitted for anaemia and maelena. Gastroscopy revealed haemorrhagic radiation gastritis. Endoscopic APC was performed but terminated when he complained of severe epigastric pain. Computed tomography scan showed gastric pneumatosis.


METHODS
His pain subsided with a period of overnight rest and observation.


RESULTS
He continued to have 3 sessions of endoscopic APC at monthly intervals and at 10 months posttreatment, his haemoglobin remained stable at 11.1 g/dL.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report highlights a complication of gastric pneumatosis and discusses the safe usage of this modality of endoscopic haemostasis. This is to increase cognisance of this potentially fatal complication among endoscopists.
Chung
Y F A
YF
Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. gsucyf@sgh.com.sg
Koo
W H
WH
D000368:Aged; D000388:Air; D001128:Argon; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008028:Light Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*
D001128:Argon