[Ultrasonography--diagnosis of fistulas and abscesses in Crohn's disease (author's transl)].

An essential complication of Crohn's disease was diagnosed at an early time by ultrasonography in three young women suffering from a highly active form of this disease: intraabdominal fistulas could be demonstrated and documented. In two cases these fistulas were connected to an abscess. Early limited surgery was indicated in this particular situation; such surgery was performed and lead to fast improvement. The diagnostic value of ultrasonography in Crohn's disease with palpable abdominal tumor is demonstrated by these case reports.