A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis during Gefitinib Treatment for Lung Cancer

Abstract

An 80-year-old woman with lung adenocarcinoma was receiving gefitinib therapy. After 2 years, follow-up computed tomography (CT) revealed free air and diffuse intramural air in the small intestine. There were no apparent findings suggestive of intestinal necrosis and gastrointestinal perforation. The patient's condition improved with conservative therapy, including withdrawal of gefitinib therapy. A follow-up CT after 10 days showed complete resolution of free air and diffuse intramural air in the small intestine. Recently, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis caused by gefitinib has been reported. We believe that gefitinib might have induced pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in this case.