Scleroderma mimicking the acute abdomen

A subsequent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed diffuse pneumatosis of the large and small bowel as well as a large quantity of air within the portal system (Fig. 1B). Because of the patient's severe abdominal pain and ominous CT findings, she was taken for an exploratory celiotomy. Early clinical manifestations are nonspecific with the most common presenting symptoms being abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, weight loss, and abdominal distension.3 Malabsorption is found in 10 to 25 per cent of patients with PSS, and affected patients are usually between the ages of 30 and 50 years with no gender predisposition.3 Although its exact etiology is unknown, multiple theories have been proposed regarding the pathophysiology of PCI.