Meconium peritonitis: an interesting entity

Meconium Peritonitis in a Neonate: Clinical and Radiological Findings

“…The findings of intestinal pseudocysts and isolated polyhydramnios are more specific for meconium peritonitis, and are almost pathognomonic [2][3][4][5][6].…”

“…As clinical changes are variable, the physical examination is unspecific, usually with abdominal distension, abdominal stiffness or even abdominal mass, more commonly in the right lower quadrant (ileum rupture is the most frequent pathology) [3,4].…”

“…The diagnosis can be done in the gestation phase with Ultrasound (US) or by abdominal x-ray of neonates, with varied images, altering according to the etiology of the obstruction /perforation [3,4].…”

“…Among the differential diagnosis of meconium peritonitis, mainly in relation to the imaging findings of intra-abdominal calcifications are meconium pseudocysts, hepatic calcifications, adrenal calcification, and hepatic granulomas [4].…”

“…If peritonitis persists after birth, bacterial infection occurs, with a reserved prognosis. Meconium peritonitis may be secondary to meconium ileus, atresia or intestinal stenosis, anal imperforation or intestinal necrosis resulting from intrauterine ischemia [2][3][4]. Although it is a rare condition, the diagnosis should be made as early as possible so that complications and their morbidity and mortality can be reduced.…”