Pneumatosis intestinalis in ulcerative colitis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: UC patients are considered to be at risk for pneumatosis intestinalis (PI). CASE REPORT A 50-year-old man who had been treated with prednisolone for left-sided ulcerative colitis (UC) underwent follow-up colonoscopy. In addition to active colitis in the left colon, some cystic lesions were found in the unaffected ascending colon. Endoscopic ultrasonography and computed tomography confirmed the presence of intramural air, consistent with PI. Since corticosteroid use might contribute to the development of PI, the patient was successfully treated with leukocytapheresis. At the last follow-up colonoscopy the UC was still in remission and the pneumatic cysts were resolving. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to determine the clinical significance of PI in each patient to ensure appropriate therapy.