Meconium ileus equivalent: treatment with Hypaque enema.

Meconium ileus equivalent is an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction in adults. In this paper we report of our experience with a 29-year-old male with a long-standing history of cystic fibrosis and recurrent abdominal pain. Following barium examination of the stomach and small bowel, the patient developed increasing abdominal pain and evidence of meconium ileus equivalent as the etiology of his small bowel obstruction. The obstruction was relieved by administration of a 20% sodium diatrizoate enema and oral saline cathartics. The clinical and radiographic findings of meconium ileus equivalent are reviewed, as is the use of water-soluble contrast agents in the management of this condition. The role of prior barium study in precipitating this condition is discussed.