Meconium peritonitis 5137784 53109640 2006-05-14T05:18:59Z InvictaHOG 461517 Created article '''Meconium peritonitis''' refers to [[Bowel perforation|rupture]] of the [[intestine|bowel]] prior to birth, resulting in fetal stool ([[meconium]]) escaping into the surrounding space ([[peritoneum]]) leading to inflammation ([[peritonitis]]). Despite the bowel rupture, many infants born after meconium peritonitis ''[[in utero]]'' have normal bowels and have no further issues. Twenty percent of infants born with meconium peritonitis will have [[vomiting]] and dilated bowels on [[radiology|x-rays]] which necessitates surgery. Meconium peritonitis is often diagnosed on prenatal [[Obstetric ultrasonography|ultrasound]] where it appears as calcifications within the peritoneum. Infants with [[cystic fibrosis]] are at increased risk for meconium peritonitis. Meconium peritonitis was first described in 1838 by [[Carl von Rokitansky]]. ==References== Dirkes K, Crombleholme TM, Craigo SD, Latchaw LA, Jacir NN, Harris BH, D'Alton ME. ''The natural history of meconium peritonitis diagnosed in utero.'' J Pediatr Surg. 1995 Jul;30(7):979-82. PMID 7472957 [[Category:Gastroenterology]]