Pneumatosis Coli Mimicking Colorectal Cancer. (7th October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jacob, Teresa; Paracha, Mohammad; Penna, Marta; Arul, Dhili; Wilson, Jonathan
• Other Names: Nikfarjam Mehrdad Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in surgery. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-10-07
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative; General Surgery; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/428989
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6900

Abstract

Abstract : Pneumatosis coli (PC) is a rare condition of the gastrointestinal tract involving extraluminal gas confined within the bowel wall. We report the case of a 40-year-old gentleman presenting clinically and endoscopically with suspected colorectal cancer. In light of the patient's red flag symptoms, and carpet of polyps seen endoscopically, surgical management by an anterior resection was performed with the patient making a successful recovery. Histological analysis of the resected specimen confirmed pneumatosis coli with no evidence of colonic neoplasia. Although PC can be an incidental finding in asymptomatic patients and considered a benign condition, it can also present as a life-threatening emergency with bowel necrosis and obstruction requiring emergency surgical intervention. Also, when PC mimics malignancy, surgical management is the most appropriate step to ensure that the diagnosis of cancer is not missed.