Findings on Routine Abdominal Ultrasonography in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Abstract

Abnormalities can be observed during routine abdominal ultrasonographic studies in cystic fibrosis. These findings may not be associated with abdominal pain; their clinical relevance needs further investigation.

Non-invasive liver elastography (Fibroscan) for detection of cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease

“…The price of the Fibroscan apparatus is 70,000 euro, which is clearly more expensive than an ultrasound apparatus (15,000 euro for one probe, no doppler). Ultrasound has the advantage that it can detect more abdominal abnormalities than only liver fibrosis, although the significance of these occasional findings is unclear [23].…”

Abdominal manifestations of cystic fibrosis in adults: A review

“…There may be single or multiple cysts, typically 1−3 mm in size, although solitary cysts up to 12 cm in diameter have been reported (Fig. 2b−d) 1,2,9 . Pancreatic cystosis, the complete replacement of the pancreas by small cysts, is extremely rare.…”

“…The typical ‘target’ appearance of oedematous bowel and mesenteric fat may be combined with features of DIOS or other pathology, indicating the underlying cause of the intussusception. It is noteworthy that intussusception in adult CF patients is often intermittent or asymptomatic 9 .…”

Intussusception in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: A Case Series with Review of the Literature

“…Whether the inflamed appendix did indeed act as a lead point or whether it was an ''innocent bystander'' in these cases is uncertain. The appendix is frequently found to be abnormal even in asymptomatic CF patients, with radiological features of increased diameter [10][11][12] and histological findings of goblet cell hypertrophy and inspissated eosinophilic secretions [13]. In addition, in a chronic intussusception, appendiceal inflammation could also be a consequence of, rather than the cause of, the intussusception.…”