AN UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY OF FETAL ASCITES - IN TUSSUSCEPTION

Background. -Intussuception is a frequent diagnosis during the first y ear of life. However, it is an uncommon and very rare pathology in neo nates and premature infants. Case reports, -Two full term neonates pre sented an antenatal intussusception associated with fetal ascites; ano ther premature infant developed an intussusception at the age of 15 da ys. In the three cases the diagnosis of intussusception had only been established during the laparotomy. A recent review of the literature r evealed 13 cases of antenatal intussusception, one of these being asso ciated with fetal ascites. Conclusion, -The differential diagnosis of fetal ascites should always include intussusception. Early recognition of this pathology and prompt surgical action would avoid fatalities.