Gastric pneumatosis after endoscopic argon plasma coagulation.

INTRODUCTION Endoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) is gaining widespread usage but its risk is underreported. CLINICAL PICTURE A 74-year-old man who received radical radiotherapy for gastric carcinoma 6 months ago was admitted for anaemia and maelena. Gastroscopy revealed haemorrhagic radiation gastritis. Endoscopic APC was performed but terminated when he complained of severe epigastric pain. Computed tomography scan showed gastric pneumatosis. TREATMENT His pain subsided with a period of overnight rest and observation. OUTCOME He continued to have 3 sessions of endoscopic APC at monthly intervals and at 10 months posttreatment, his haemoglobin remained stable at 11.1 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS This case report highlights a complication of gastric pneumatosis and discusses the safe usage of this modality of endoscopic haemostasis. This is to increase cognisance of this potentially fatal complication among endoscopists.