Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis Complicated during Chemotherapy for Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease

Background: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare disease characterized by the presence of gas in the intestinal wall. Aim: We report two rare cases of PCI that are complicated during the chemotherapy for pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease. Case Presentation: In this report, we described two cases (a 72-year-old woman and a 60-year-old woman) of PCI that appeared during the combined chemotherapy consisting of rifampicin, ethambutol and clarithromycin. Because there were few clinical symptoms and increased inflammatory responses, the diagnosis of PCI was delayed. However, there were fortunately no severe complications in both cases. Conclusion: Respiratory physicians should be aware of the potential development of PCI in patients during the chemotherapy for pulmonary NTM disease. It is important to detect PCI in the early stage through radiological examinations to avoid severe complications.