PaO2-guided Low-dose Oxygen Therapy for Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis to Prevent Acute Exacerbation of Interstitial Pneumonia

Abstract

We herein report the first case of low-dose oxygen therapy for pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) using PaO₂ as a therapeutic index to prevent acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. An 86-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with abdominal distension. PCI was diagnosed by abdominal computed tomography. Low-dose oxygen therapy was started to avoid acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. The oxygen dose was adjusted so that the PaO₂ value was approximately 100 mmHg. After seven days of treatment, the colon gas had disappeared, and no acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia was observed. A PaO₂ value around 100 mmHg is effective for PCI without inducing acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia.