The late gastrointestinal manifestations of cystic fibrosis of the pancreas.

Abstract

The gastrointestinal manifestations of cystic fibrosis which occur in older children and young adults are numerous. When recognized radiographically, they allow the radiologist to make the diagnosis of the disease in the absence of the typical pulmonary changes. The findings of meconium ileus equivalent, an adherent fecalith, splenomegaly, esophageal varices, unusual gallbladder abnormalities, and pneumatosis coli are suggestive of cystic fibrosis and its complications. The hyperplastic-looking cobblestone appearance of the colonic mucosa observed in many older patients is distinctive. Nodular mucosal changes in the small intestine may also be present.