CASE HISTORY – April 2017

Meconium peritonitis: a case study

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Abstract

A primigravida who had not been monitored after pregnancy-confirming ultrasound gave birth prematurely in Estonia. The child’s stomach was distended, A US examination showd an intraabdominal fluid collection with small calcifications. On an abdominal X-ray the fluid collection with air-fluid levels and calcifications was visible. An MRI showed the extent of the process but was unable to confirm the presence of meconium in the fluid collection. A laparotomy was performed, the fluid collection within which meconium was seen was drained and the perforation was repaired. The final diagnosis was confirmed to be meconium peritonitis. No cystic fibrosis was found.