Additive contribution of multiple factors in the development of pneumatosis intestinalis: a case report and review of the literature

Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Apr;26(4):601-3. doi: 10.1007/s10067-005-0179-9. Epub 2006 Jan 11.

Abstract

We describe a 53-year-old patient with dermatomyositis, who developed pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) accompanied by pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema of the neck. The development of PI in our patient was possibly attributed to the effect of factors such as dermatomyositis, corticosteroids, methotrexate, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (AGI). The coexistence of multiple factors associated with PI might enhance the risk of developing PI, even though each of them alone is not sufficient to induce it. In particular, the use of AGIs for patients treated with immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids requires evaluation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Dermatomyositis / complications*
  • Dermatomyositis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Inositol / adverse effects
  • Inositol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy*
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / etiology*
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / therapy

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Inositol
  • voglibose