Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis Complicated by an Intra-abdominal Abscess

Abstract

We present a case of a 68-year-old woman who developed encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) with an intra-abdominal abscess. The patient was referred to our hospital with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She had end-stage kidney disease secondary to diabetes mellitus that had been treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for 9 years. EPS had been diagnosed 1 year ago, and she had been treated with prednisone daily. On presentation, a computed tomographic scan showed a calcified peritoneum and intra-abdominal abscess, and surgery showed that the abscess was caused by a bowel perforation. The perforated bowel could not be sutured or resected because of the presence of fibrotic tissue and peritoneal calcification. She was treated with bowel rest with total parenteral nutrition, as well as general antibiotic therapy and drainage for 8 months. However, the site of perforation did not heal, and she died of septic shock. Because treatment of EPS complicated by bowel perforation is very difficult, it is necessary to diagnose and treat the early stages of EPS to prevent bowel perforation. Imaging techniques are important in making an early diagnosis and successfully managing EPS.