Fibrosing Colonopathy Revealing Cystic Fibrosis In A Neonate Before Any Pancreatic Enzyme Supplementation

ABSTRACT Although its pathogenesis remains still unknown, fibrosing colonopathy (FCP) is considered to be the result of prolonged treatment by high doses of pancreatic enzyme preparations, in a small proportion of patients who present with cystic fibrosis (CF). We present the case of a newborn with meconium ileus (treated by conservative measures), in which, at the age of 3 weeks, the features of intestinal obstruction made necessary the removal of 15 cm of the proximal large intestine. Macroscopical and especially microscopical appearances typical for FCP were found, despite the absence of any enzymatic treatment. These findings raised the suspicion of CF, which was confirmed 4 weeks later at necropsy by the presence of characteristic pancreatic lesions. This case and another similar report in the literature suggest that the mechanism of FCP must be linked with the disease itself, at least in some patients. Thus, for us, FCP is not a “closed subject” and we sustain the importance of continuing studies, which will shed light on its etiopathogenesis.