Pneumatosis Intestinalis, Pneumoperitoneum, and Ascites Secondary to Scleroderma: A Case Report

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), pneumoperitoneum, and ascites are radiographic findings that may be incidental or associated with severe bowel compromise. Asymptomatic patients with benign PI, pneumoperitoneum, or ascites are often observed or treated conservatively. However, these findings are concerning in symptomatic patients and often require surgical consultation and urgent surgical intervention Approximately 15% of PI cases are idiopathic, and 85% are secondary due to an underlying pathology including but not limited to pulmonary disease, autoimmune disease, drug-induced sources, gastrointestinal disease, infectious sources, and iatrogenic sources. A management plan for PI proves challenging to create when the pathogenesis is poorly understood and the presenting clinical picture varies. Reported is a case of a 51-year-old female with severe abdominal pain, PI, pneumoperitoneum, and ascites. Managing a patient presenting this way with surgical intervention is a viable option; however, this patient's management was successful using a conservative approach.