Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis: A Complication of Systemic Chemotherapy

A case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis following administration of chemotherapy for Hodgkin s disease is presented. Because of a poor response to nonoperative management, a subtotal colectomy was performed. Although the pathogenesis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is not entirely clear, it seems likely that, in this case, mucosal ulceration secondary to methyl‐gag allowed intraluminal air to dissect into the intestinal wall and surrounding retroperitoneal tissues. Because pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is often reversible and self‐limited, fecal diversion in lieu of bowel resection is entertained as a possible alternative in the operative management of selected cases. In the case presented resection was performed because of extent of the pathologic process.