CYSTIC FIBROSIS ULTRASOUND IMAGING

Cystic fibrosis, one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities, has historically been associated with the paediatric population.

However, increasing success in the management of this condition, particularly in specialist centres, has improved the current median survival to 40 years for a child born in the last decade.

Ultrasound appearances of Cystic fibrosis :
Progression of the disease means that changes in the ultrasound appearances of the liver are more severe in adults than children, in whom the liver frequently looks normal.

Progressive hepatic fibrosis in adults results in a hyperechoic and enlarged liver.

Ultimately the liver becomes coarse and nodular in appearance as the features of cirrhosis become apparent.

Portal hypertension is a common finding at this stage with splenomegaly, varices, ascites and possibly PV thrombosis.

Changes of fibrosis can also be seen in the pancreas.