A case of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction complicated with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis successfully treated with partial resection of the jejunum

We report a case of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) complicated with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI), in whom partial resection of the jejunum was effective. A 69-year-old woman under treatment for scleroderma had abdominal distension. We diagnosed CIP with PCI secondary to scleroderma. Her symptoms improved with conservative therapy, however, they deteriorated again as oral intake always caused fever. Therefore, we performed resection of the jejunal segment affected by PCI. After the operation, she was able to ingest orally sufficiently to maintain good nutritional condition. The surgical indications of CIP with PCI secondary to systemic disease such as scleroderma are controversial. If the lesion affected by PCI is localized and oral intake is difficult because of PCI, resection of the affected segment should be considered.