SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN NEWBORNS WITH MECONIUM PERITONITIS

Background: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the usefulne ss of prenatal and postnatal sonography for identifying and following infants with meconium peritonitis. Patients and methods: We report the sonographic findings in eight newborns with meconium peritonitis and describe the correlation of specific sonographic findings with the und erlying bowel disorder and clinical outcome. Results: Seven cases were discovered prenatally. Ultrasonographic findings at birth included me conium pseudocysts (n=6),diffuse intraabdominal calcifications (n=4), polyhydramnios (n=6), fetal ascites (n=3), dilated bowel loops (n=5), and multiple intrahepatic cystic masses (n=1). Polyhydramnios and dila ted bowel loops were associated with intestinal stenosis or atresia in all cases. Conclusion: A characteristic spectrum of prenatal sonograp hic findings may be observed for meconium peritonitis. This is helpful to facilitate prompt neonatal treatment.