title: Hyperechoic meconium in the third trimester fetus: an uncommon normal variant.
abstract: Fetal meconium is usually hypoechoic or isoechoic to adjacent abdominal structures on antenatal sonography. Hyperechoic meconium is associated with pathologic conditions, such as meconium ileus, meconium peritonitis, and anorectal malformations. The authors describe three third trimester fetuses with hyperechoic meconium and a normal outcome. Although a prospective study revealed that this finding is very uncommon, hyperechoic meconium can be a normal variant, particularly when it is seen as an isolated finding late in the third trimester.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Paulson
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Hertzberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008470:Meconium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal