Echogenic fetal bowel in the third trimester associated with meconium ileus secondary to cystic fibrosis. A case report.
Echogenicity of the fetal bowel seen sonographically can vary at different gestational ages. Increased echogenicity of small bowel loops is seen commonly in the second trimester. We encountered a case of increased bowel echogenicity with shadowing in the third trimester in a fetus who had meconium ileus associated with cystic fibrosis. Other reports also indicate that a persistent echogenic appearance of fetal small bowel in the third trimester, particularly with shadowing, is worrisome and can be associated with meconium ileus.
Benacerraf
B R
BR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Chaudhury
A K
AK
D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008470:Meconium; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D014463:Ultrasonography