Pediatric Radiology > Abdominal > Neonatal > Meconium Ileus
Meconium Ileus
Meconium
ileus is caused by thick, tenacious meconium that adheres to the wall
of the small bowel and causes obstruction most often at the level of the
ileocecal valve in a neonate. Almost all patients with meconium ileus have cystic fibrosis;
10-15% of CF patients present with meconium ileus. Complications include
ileal atresia and/or stenosis, volvulus, perforation, and meconium peritonitis
(due to obstruction and ischemia from tenacious meconium). It can be treated nonsurgically
with water-soluble enemas to relieve the obstruction or be treated surgically.
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Multiple dilated loops of bowel and an unused microcolon on barium enema. |