Chunhua Wang, Yao Zhang
Keywords
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis • Acarbose • α-glucosidase inhibitor • Constipation • Intestinal obstruction
Abstract
Background Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rare intestinal disease characterized by single or multiple air cysts in the submucosa or subserosa of the intestinal wall. It is often accompanied by other gastrointestinal diseases. The clinical manifestations were nonspecific, and the diagnosis mainly depended on colonoscopy, imaging, and other auxiliary examinations.
Case presentation The reason for pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis’s occurrence remains unclear. Enteral nutrition deficiency, especially the use of glucosidase inhibitors, may be involved in the pathogenesis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in this patient. Here, we report a rare case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in an elderly man who had been taking acarbose for diabetes for a long time. Colonoscopy of the patient was normal before taking acarbose.
Conclusion In patients with diabetes who are treated with glucosidase inhibitors for gastrointestinal symptoms, the possibility of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis should be considered, and a thorough gastrointestinal examination should be performed in such patients.
