Erroneous diagnosis of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis: clinical impact of abdominal ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of abdominal ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS).

DESIGN

Four case reports.

SETTING

Adult cystic fibrosis centre (140 patients).

PATIENTS

Four cystic fibrosis patients presenting over 18 months with clinical symptoms suggestive of a DIOS which could not be substantiated.

OUTCOME

In all cases abdominal ultrasound was valuable in making a diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool for differentiating a DIOS from other abdominal conditions.