Pneumatosis intestinalis in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients: an uncommon complication

Fetal Pediatr Pathol. 2012 Oct;31(5):309-14. doi: 10.3109/15513815.2012.659389. Epub 2012 Mar 20.

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) causes many complications including the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), a rare side affect in patients with post-HSCT GVHD, is uncommonly seen in non-neonatal patients. In neonates, surgical intervention is common, yet in non-neonatal patients, medical management is advisable. We present four pediatric patients who post-HSCT developed GVHD and subsequently PI. Surgery was performed on one patient while the other three were successfully managed conservatively. Although PI is rare in this group of patients, clinicians should be aware of this post-HSCT complication to ensure early diagnosis and proper management.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / diagnosis
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / diagnosis
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / etiology*
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / therapy
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Transplantation, Homologous*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents