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.