Ultrasonographic detection of intrauterine intussusception resulting in ileal atresia complicated by meconium peritonitis

A neonate with ileal atresia (IA) complicated by meconium peritonitis (MP) whose prenatal ultrasonography (US) detected an intrauterine intussusceptio n (IUI) is reported. Fetal ascites, dilated bowel loops, and abdominal calc ifications were identified on serial US from 25 weeks of gestation. Intesti nal loops with high echogenecity and a "target-like" appearance suggestive of IUI were detected in the right lower quadrant. The 2,680-g male was deli vered vaginally at term and underwent a laparotomy. Fibrous adhesions and s mall calcifications were scattered throughout the peritoneal cavity. IA (in terrupted type) was confirmed 17.0 cm cranial to the ileocecal valve (ICV). An ileo-ileal intussusception was also found between 16.5 cm and 9.0 cm cr anial to the ICV. Partial resection of the ileum and an ileo-ileal anastomo sis was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. In this case, t he pathological process of IUI resulting in IA and MP was demonstrated sono graphically by identifying the "target-like" appearance in the fetus.