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.

Microcolon
Multiple dilated loops of bowel and an unused microcolon on barium enema.