A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoids Intestinalis with Polymyositis

Abstract

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI), characterized by presence of intramural gas cyst in the intestinal wall is associated with various medical condition. Polymyosistis, however, is rarely associated with PCI. Few cases are reported in the world, and none has not been reported previously in Korea. A 67-year-old woman with polymyositis developed mild abdominal pain and abdominal distension during treatment with steroid and azathioprine. Radiographic findings including CT scan showed intraperitoneal free gas and intramural air, compatible with PCI. The patient's symptom and clinical findings improved after the treatment with antibiotics and high-dose oxygen therapy. (

Recurrent pneumatosis intestinalis in a patient with dermatomyositis

“…Laparotomy diagnosed a sigmoid perforation which was attributed to diverticulitis, and a sigmoid resection specimen did not reveal PI 18. Predisposing factors for PI inherent to adult DM and PM have been proposed but none have been clearly established 9 21. Based on our review of the literature, it is likely that PI in patients with inflammatory myopathies is multifactorial.…”