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Beyond the gut: Non‐specific interstitial pneumonia in pediatric ulcerative colitis—A rare extra‐intestinal manifestation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder often presenting with extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) involving the skin, joints and eyes. However, pulmonary manifestation, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), is a rare complication, particularly in the pediatric population. We report a case of a 10-year-old boy, with very early onset IBD-ulcerative colitis, presented with non-productive cough, fever and dyspnea, with examination findings revealing respiratory distress, pallor, clubbing and pyoderma gangrenosum. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was suggestive of bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities with intralobular septal thickening and tractional bronchiectasis, consistent with non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Furthermore, the patient developed septic shock and macrophage activation syndrome, requiring intensive care management and immunosuppression. This case highlights that even in the setting of silent intestinal disease activity of a pediatric IBD case, the patient can have potentially life-threatening pulmonary EIMs, warranting early diagnosis and treatment.

Source: JPGN Reports

DOI: 10.1002/jpr3.70289

Authors: Harshit Vachher, Vishrutha Poojari, Shivangi Tetarbe, Parmarth Chandane, Lakshmi Shobhavat, Ira Shah

Institution: Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children

Language: English

Topic: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Subfield: Gastroenterology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,900