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Meconium ileus equivalent: treatment with Hypaque enema
Diagnostic Imaging
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Meconium ileus equivalent, a rare adult intestinal obstruction, can be precipitated by barium studies in cystic fibrosis patients. Prompt treatment with contrast enemas and saline effectively relieved the obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Meconium ileus equivalent (MIE) is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction in adults.
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are at higher risk for developing MIE.
- Recurrent abdominal pain is a common symptom in adult CF patients.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old male with a history of CF and chronic abdominal pain presented with acute small bowel obstruction.
- The obstruction developed after a barium examination of the stomach and small bowel.
- Clinical and radiographic findings suggested MIE as the cause of obstruction.
Findings:
- The patient's obstruction was successfully relieved using a 20% sodium diatrizoate enema and oral saline cathartics.
- Water-soluble contrast agents are effective in managing MIE.
- Barium studies may precipitate MIE in susceptible individuals.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering MIE in adult CF patients with small bowel obstruction, especially after barium studies.
- Water-soluble contrast enemas are a valuable therapeutic tool for MIE.
- Further investigation into the role of barium contrast in precipitating MIE is warranted.