Pneumatosis Coli Associated with Pseudomembranous Colitis in a Patient following Colonic Surgery

Clostridium difficile Infection Leading to Intestinal Pneumatosis in a Patient with a Recent Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer Local Recurrence: A Case Report and Literature Review

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) causing pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare event, described mostly in immunocompromised patients. We present the case of a 65-year-old female diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas who underwent a duodenopancreatectomy with lymphadenectomy and adjuvant gemcitabine and capecitabine. Four months after the end of chemotherapy, she experienced abdominal pain and intermittent diarrhea which became aggravated within 6 months. CT scans revealed diffuse intestinal pneumatosis and recurrence of ductal adenocarcinoma. We hypothesize that local pancreatic cancer recurrence may lead to gastrointestinal dysmotility with consequent increased risk for CDI. The patient had almost complete resolution of PI during the CDI treatment, thus we believe that the CDI was directly responsible for PI in this case.

Emphysematous cystitis due to recurrent Clostridium difficile infection

A 78-year-old woman with long-standing obstipation presented herself to the hospital with diarrhoea and progressive abdominal cramping since 2 days. Acute abdomen developed and an emergency exploratory laparotomy was indicated, which showed no signs of bowel ischaemia. After admission to the internal ward, stool Clostridium difficile PCR was tested positive. Hence the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis became apparent. Abdominal imaging demonstrated multiple gas foci in the wall of the bladder and extensive pseudomembranous colitis. The patient was initially treated with oral vancomycin and secondarily with metronidazole for recurrent C. difficile infection. Resolution of diarrhoea and abdominal cramping was noted on 6-week follow-up visit.

Pneumatosis intestinalis in a patient with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection

A 65-year-old man with long-standing diarrhoea, recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the previous 5 months presented to the gastroenterology clinic with recurrent diarrhoea and abdominal cramping. Physical examination was negative for signs of acute abdomen. Stool C difficile PCR was positive. Abdominal imaging demonstrated an extensive pneumatosis intestinalis involving the small bowel and a dilated small bowel loop. He was treated conservatively with oral vancomycin for recurrent CDI with resolution of diarrhoea and abdominal cramping on 1-month follow-up visit.