Meconium Ileus: A New Roentgen Sign

[摘要] Neuhauser described a "bubble" appearance in roentgenograms of the abdomen, apparently due to air mixed with thick meconium, as a diagnostic sign of meconium ileus. It was present in 40% of cases but has subsequently been found not to be specific, as it occurs in cases of imperforate anus.In the present report the author states that, in six uncomplicated cases of meconium ileus, fluid levels were not observed in the dilated loops of small bowel in films taken in the upright position. The lack of fluid levels in the roentgenogram is attributed to a paucity of mucosal secretions in the uncomplicated case of meconium ileus. This is contrary to the usual findings in intestinal obstruction in the newborn. This diagnostic sign is not seen in the presence of complications such as volvulus, gangrene, and peritonitis. In the complicated cases fluid levels appear probably because of the release of proteolytic enzymes by infection and vascular occlusion, the meconium being rendered more fluid by these released enzymes. This appears to be an additional valuable sign to be observed in the diagnosis of meconium ileus by roentgenograms.

[学科分类] 儿科学