Prenatal sonographic diagnosis was first described in 1980, and subsequently, a number of additional cases have been described, including several in which meconium pseudocysts were identified 3-7 . All of the cases were diagnosed after 24 weeks' gestation. Pathogenesis Meconium peritonitis occurs when in utero bowel perforation from any cause results in leakage of meconium into the peritoneal cavity. A sterile inflammatory reaction follows meconium contamination of the peritoneal cavity. The causes of meconium peritonitis include bowel obstruction due to stricture, atresia, volvulus, intussusception, and meconium plug syndrome from cystic fibrosis 8 .
Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects multiple organs.
The molecular defect is still not well understood, but it produces a dysfunction of the exocrine glands, resulting in excessive sodium and chloride excretion in sweat glands and from other epithelial surfaces 9 . In cystic fibrosis, the viscosity of mucus secreted by the intestinal tract is markedly increased. It clings to the intestinal wall and is difficult to move. Inspissated and impacted meconium can fill the intestine, particularly the distal ileum. This produces intestinal obstruction - meconium ileus .