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.