Lethal pneumatosis coli in a 12-month-old child caused by acute intestinal gas gangrene after prolonged artificial nutrition: a case report

Stefan Kircher¹ , Rupert Wössner² , Hans-Konrad Müller-Hermelink¹ and Hans-Ullrich Völker¹

¹Institute of Pathology, University Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany

²Department of Paediatrics, University Würzburg, Germany

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Journal of Medical Case Reports 2008, 2:238doi:10.1186/1752-1947-2-238


Published:	24 July 2008

Abstract

Introduction

Pneumatosis coli is a rare disease with heterogeneous symptoms which can be detected in the course of various acute and chronic intestinal diseases in children, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal obstruction and intestinal bacteriological infections.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 12-month-old boy who died of pneumatosis coli caused by an acute intestinal gas gangrene after prolonged artificial alimentation.

Conclusion

While intestinal gas gangrene is a highly uncommon cause of pneumatosis coli, it is important to consider it as a differential diagnosis, especially in patients receiving a prolonged artificial food supply. These patients may develop intestinal gas gangrene due to a dysfunctional intestinal barrier.