A case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis receiving chemotherapy for esophageal and tonsillar cancers

Abstract

A man in his 50, underwent chemotherapy for esophageal and tonsillar cancers. Diarrhea appeared on the 4th day and worsened daily. On the 12th day, free air was pointed out on abdominal X-ray and he consulted our department. At that time, there was no peritoneal irritation sign. Though CT showed pneumatosis and free air, there were neither perforation nor intestinal necrosis, therefore we diagnosed pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI). Conservative management was performed. He could ingest orally on the 14th day and was discharged on the 37th day. After that, chemotherapy was performed on several occasions for cancer, but there was no recurrence of PCI.