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Acute intestinal obstruction as a presentation of cystic fibrosis in infancy

Vijay Baral1, Gary Connett1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Paediatrics, Mailpoint 43, Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD United Kingdom.

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official Journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society
|December 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Acute intestinal obstruction is rare in cystic fibrosis (CF) after infancy. This case highlights sigmoid colon obstruction as an unusual initial symptom of CF in a 6-month-old infant.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Genetic Disorders
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Intestinal dysmotility and obstruction are known complications of CF, typically seen in neonates.
  • Late-onset intestinal obstruction in CF is uncommon.

Observation:

  • A 6-month-old infant presented with acute sigmoid colon obstruction.
  • This presentation was the initial clinical manifestation of Cystic Fibrosis.
  • This is a previously unreported occurrence of CF presenting this way.

Findings:

  • The infant's condition mimicked other causes of neonatal intestinal obstruction.
  • Diagnostic evaluation confirmed Cystic Fibrosis as the underlying cause.
  • Sigmoid colon obstruction can be a rare presenting feature of CF in infancy.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider Cystic Fibrosis in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in infants, even outside the neonatal period.
  • Early recognition of CF can lead to timely intervention and improved outcomes.
  • This case expands the understanding of gastrointestinal manifestations in Cystic Fibrosis.

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