[A case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis induced by steroid pulse therapy for severe acute hepatitis B]

Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi. 2011 Jul;108(7):1237-43.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

A 26-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to the hospital because of fever and general fatigue. A diagnosis of acute hepatitis B was given because of high levels of transaminase and positivity for HBs-Ag, HBe-Ag and HBc-IgM. On the 2nd day progression to fulminant hepatitis was suspected, and steroid pulse therapy, cyclosporin, entecavir, and interferon-β were started. Her laboratory data improved until transaminase showed an increase on 18th day, and steroid was once again administered. Abdominal CT scan and plain abdominal X-ray showed pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) mainly along the ascending colon without any symptoms. After discontinuation of steroid therapy, abnormal gas gradually disappeared. This is a very rare case of PCI, which may have been caused by short-term steroid pulse therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Methylprednisolone / adverse effects*
  • Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / chemically induced*
  • Pulse Therapy, Drug

Substances

  • Methylprednisolone