title: Megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome: in utero sonographic appearance and the contribution of vesicocentesis in antenatal diagnosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this report is to describe the in utero sonographic appearance of megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) and examine the role of vesicocentesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two cases of the sonographic appearance of MMIHS were reviewed. We performed vesicocentesis in 2 fetuses with MMIHS and performed vesicoamniotic shunting in 1 of them. The sonographic findings after these procedures were compared with those before puncture.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both cases, ultrasound examination showed a massively enlarged fetal bladder and bilateral hydroureteronephrosis with a normal amount of amniotic fluid. Fetal urinary sodium and chloride concentrations were within normal limits in both cases; this suggested normal fetal renal function. Generally, it is difficult to detect the dilated fetal bowel in MMIHS, probably because of the disturbance caused by a large bladder. In our cases, however, the ultrasound examination clearly showed fetal bowel dilatation after these procedures; this made the antenatal diagnosis of MMIHS more definite.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sonographic features after vesicocentesis may be helpful in confirming the antenatal diagnosis of MMIHS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Perinatology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan. n-hidaka@kpa.biglobe.ne.jp
authors.forename: Nobuhiro
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hidaka
authors.forename: Kazuya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kawamata
authors.forename: Yoshihide
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chiba
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000652:urine; D000328:Adult; D003106:Colon / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019152:Paracentesis; D010528:Peristalsis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods; D013577:Syndrome; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*