Tube Feeding-Related Bowel Ischemia Presenting As Extensive Intestinal Pneumatosis Complicated With Hepatic Portal Venous Gas

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is a condition where air embolization from disrupted intestinal mucosa reaches the portal system. It is an uncommon finding and denotes severity. This report describes HPVG as a rare and lethal complication of enteral nutrition. The patient had a history of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PADC) managed with Whipple’s surgery, complicated with poor oral intake, requiring percutaneous jejunostomy. Subsequently, the patient presented with severe abdominal pain and distension. On imaging, he was found to have diffuse pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) and HPVG. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with intraoperative findings of bowel ischemia starting at the distal point of the enteral tube feeding. Despite aggressive intensive support, the patient died. The aim of this case description is to highlight a rare complication of enteral feeding with impressive imaging findings. Intensive care providers should consider this complication in patients with acute abdominal symptoms, who are under enteral feeding.