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Imaging of multi-etiologies of pneumatosis intestinalis in children with AIDS: case report and review



Abstract

Introduction : Pneumatosis intestinalis is a condition where there is gas inside the intestinal wall. Pneumatosis intestinalis or intramural gas is a particular sign of radiology and is not a disease. Pneumatosis intestinalis in patients with very poor clinical conditions, accompanied by symptoms of abdominal pain or distension, is possible because of the presence of bowel ischemia. One of the causes of Pneumatosis intestinalis is immunodeficiency, such as in AIDS.

Case Presentation : Here in we present a 7-year-old HIV AIDS positive male presented with abdominal distension, acute abdomen, and sepsis. His first abdominal radiographs showed intramural gas in linear and circular form along the descending colon, which migrates to the ascending colon after few days. Intramural gas was also seen on his abdominal CT therefore concluded bowel ischemia diagnosis without life threatening signs such as portal vein gas, pneumoperitoneum, or porto-mesenteric gas. His previous chest CT revealed multiple cystic bronchiectasis in both lung bases.

Discussion : Underlying cause of Pneumatosis intestinalis n this case is HIV AIDS related which causing both lung and bowel disease resulting in intramural gas, hence bowel ischemia diagnosis was made.

Conclusion : Thorough imaging evaluation is needed in diagnosing pneumatosis intestinalis moreover in HIV AIDS patient to determine prognosis and treatment plan.

Keywords: Pneumatosis intestinalis AIDS abdominal radiology

References

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How to Cite

Tjan, A., Elysanti Dwi Martadiani, & Ni Made Widhi Asih. (2021). Imaging of multi-etiologies of pneumatosis intestinalis in children with AIDS: case report and review. Medicina, 52(2), 127–131. https://doi.org/10.15562/medicina.v52i2.671
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Anastasia Tjan
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Medicina Journal

Elysanti Dwi Martadiani
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Ni Made Widhi Asih
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Medicina Journal