Strictures of the colon in cystic fibrosis.

We describe the radiological and histopathological findings in five children with cystic fibrosis who presented recently to our hospital. Each child underwent surgery after failing to respond to medical management for suspected distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. Four patients had preoperative ultrasound and contrast enema examinations. Wall thickening and dilatation of the ascending colon was seen on ultrasound and contrast enema revealed a stricture of the ascending colon in all four. At surgery these findings were confirmed. All five patients had histopathological changes of post-ischaemic ulceration repair. One child had symptoms of intestinal obstruction 5 months after right hemicolectomy. Radiological investigation revealed a stricture in the descending colon which was resected. The histopathological changes were the same as before. Colonic strictures should be considered in cystic fibrosis patients who do not respond to medical management of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome.