Erlotinib-Induced Pneumatosis Intestinalis: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Abstract

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a rare condition characterized by gas accumulation within the bowel wall. Although several medications have been associated with the etiopathogenesis of PI, the association between PI and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is less recognized. We present the case of a 79-year-old woman who developed PI 2 months after the initiation of erlotinib. The condition improved after the discontinuation of erlotinib, suggesting a possible association between erlotinib and the development of PI. This case underscores the importance of considering PI in the differential diagnosis when patients receiving EGFR-TKIs present with abdominal symptoms or intramural bowel gas.