Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis Secondary to Antibiotic Therapy for Pulmonary Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is characterized by the presence of gas in the gastrointestinal wall. It is rarely observed in patients with pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, although the exact mechanisms are unclear. We, herein, present a case of PCI potentially associated with long-term antibiotic therapy for pulmonary MAC infection. An 83-year-old woman developed PCI after 3 years of antibiotic therapy for a pulmonary MAC infection, with subsequent improvement following the discontinuation of antibiotics. Based on the clinical course, we suggest that clinicians consider the development of PCI, especially in patients receiving long-term antibiotic therapy for pulmonary MAC infection.