Prenatal diagnosis of the acute meconium peritonitis secondary to ileum volvulus perforation: a case report

We present an unusual case different than previously described prenatal cases, with very early diagnosis and surgical intervention following delivery. A 40-year-old gravida, showed the presence of cystic structure in the fetal abdomen consistent with intestinal dilatation. At 32th week control ultrasound showed the collapse of the bowel dilatation and the presence of hyperechogenic fluid in the fetal abdomen. A C-Section was performed. The clinical importance of this report is that the meconium peritonitis (MP) may be diagnosed in the acute phase with typical ultrasound features, and should be considered in the differential diagnoses of cases presented with reduced fetal movements. It looks as if the morbidity and mortality in Meconium peritonitis cases depend upon the gestational age, and our case report may aid to manage similar cases for defining the appropriate delivery time and treatment option after prenatal diagnosis of the problem.

Keywords

Meconium peritonitis, prenatal diagnosis, ultrasonography.

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