title: Recurrent pneumatosis intestinalis in a patient with dermatomyositis.
abstract: A 51-year-old woman with dermatomyositis (DM) on chronic immunosuppressive therapy was hospitalised for evaluation of haematuria. Surprisingly, abdominal imaging demonstrated pneumoperitoneum and pneumatosis intestinalis (PI). Her abdominal examination and white cell count were normal, but she subsequently developed nausea and fever. Owing to concern for perforation, a hemicolectomy was performed. Pathology revealed PI without inflammatory, ischaemic or neoplastic features, and she recovered uneventfully. Her immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued. Six months later, a follow-up CT of the abdomen revealed recurrence of PI. As she was asymptomatic, she was managed conservatively with resolution of PI on subsequent imaging. PI is characterised by the presence of gas within the wall of the intestine. Its aetiology is often unclear but this case highlights the association between PI and both immunosuppressive therapy and DM. A review of PI in patients with DM suggests that clinically stable patients may be observed, while avoiding surgical intervention.
authors: Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors: Yousef
authors: Y
authors: Zarbalian
authors: Erik C
authors: EC
authors: von Rosenvinge
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Twadell
authors: Jamal
authors: J
authors: Mikdashi
mesh_terms: D003082:Colectomy; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012008:Recurrence; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
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