Pediatric Radiology > Abdominal > Neonatal > Meconium Ileus - Radiographic Features


Meconium Ileus - Radiographic Features

· Microcolon (unused colon)
· "Frothy" or "soap-bubble" pattern of bowel gas (air mixed with meconium), often in the right lower quadrant
· Dilated small bowel loops
· Small bowel obstruction
· Calcification due to meconium peritonitis (15%)
· Distal ileum packed with meconium and larger than microcolon on contrast enema

Frothy appearance Microcolon
Small bowel obstruction with dilated loops of bowel and
soap bubble bowel gas pattern in the right lower quadrant.		 On barium enema, there is a microcolon.