End-Stage Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction Resulting in Intestinal Pneumatosis

Abstract

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare gastrointestinal motility disorder that presents with symptoms, physical exam, and imaging findings of mechanical bowel obstruction without an anatomical obstruction. Multiple etiologies, including enteric or extr insic neuropathic dysfunction, myopathic dysfunction, or dysfunction of the interstitial cells of Cajal, cause CIPO’s pathogenesis. The presentation of CIPO may be idiopathic or caused by underlying diseases. The most common presentation is abdominal pain, bloating, and distension. Here, we present a patient with an end-stage case of CIPO who failed medical therapy. Her distension progressed over a decade, requiring emergency surgery due to intestinal pneumatosis.