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INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon condition characterized by intramural gas accumulation in the intestinal submucosa. Idiopathic or secondary is presented with non-specific clinical signs; in some cases, diagnosis is incidental. Its acute presentation is uncommon, and surgical management could be performed in selected cases. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of an 85-year-old woman with 3 days of abdominal pain, 6 months of weight loss, and abdominal distension after meals. Abdominal computed tomography evidenced PCI at the small intestine with changes due to intestinal ischemia and internal mesenteric hernia. Intestinal resection and lateral-lateral mechanical anastomosis were performed with no complications after 90 days of follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: PCI is an infrequent and benign condition; pathophysiology is, to date, poorly understood. Idiopathic or secondary to other gastrointestinal pathologies are described. The final diagnosis is performed with histopathological analysis. Nevertheless, in some cases, the benign nature could be presented as an acute abdomen, and surgical management should be in the physician's armamentarium. CONCLUSION: PCI is an uncommon and benign entity. Nevertheless, in some cases, it could be presented as an acute abdomen. The surgical approach is appropriate, safe, and feasible.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheters (CVCs) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may cause delayed complications, such as venous erosion, hydrothorax, or hydromediastinum. Vascular erosion is most frequently associated with left-sided CVC insertions. We report a case of hydropneumomediastinum and hydropneumothorax as a delayed complication of right-sided PICC used for total parenteral nutrition. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 77-year-old man with muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical cystectomy with uretero-ileostomy reconstruction (Bricker). The patient developed postoperative ileus, and thus, a right PICC was inserted for total parenteral nutrition. On postoperative day 8, he developed bilateral hydromediastinum, and bilateral thoracentesis was performed. After the procedure, he presented with respiratory and hemodynamic deterioration and was transferred to the intensive care unit for 12â¯days. The patient was eventually discharged and followed-up at the outpatient department. DISCUSSION: Ruptured SVC has been predominantly described in left-sided CVCs at the right angle of the junction of the left brachiocephalic vein and SVC. However, our patient is the second documented case of bilateral hydropneumothorax and hydropneumomediastinum as a delayed complication of a PICC used to administer total parenteral nutrition. Catheters may migrate from their initial position due to breathing, bloodstream flow dynamics, postural rotation, and neck movements. Chemical irritation of the vessel wall may be caused by hyperosmolar hyperalimentation fluid. CONCLUSION: A right-sided vascular approach is preferred to avoid friction complications, and the tip should be placed at the lower third of the vena cava to prevent vascular erosion.
