A Case of Pneumatosis Intestinalis Associated with Antipsychotic Medication

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is an uncommon but important condition characterized by the accumulation of gases in the submucosa or subserosa of the gastrointestinal wall. The clinical course of PI represents a wide spectrum of conditions and outcomes that range from benign to life-threatening. Although controversy exists about the exact cause of PI, mucosal integrity, intraluminal pressure, gases, and bacterial flora are thought to have interactive roles in the formation of PI. Antipsychotic drugs are known to decrease bowel motility inducing constipation and ileus, ultimately increasing the intraluminal pressure which rarely results into PI. In Korea, several cases of PI caused by various etiologies have been reported. However, there has been no report of PI associated with antipsychotic drugs. We report a rare case of PI who was taking antipsychotic drugs due to schizophrenia.