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.