Megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome: in utero sonographic appearance and the contribution of vesicocentesis in antenatal diagnosis.
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.
Hidaka
Nobuhiro
N
Department of Perinatology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan. n-hidaka@kpa.biglobe.ne.jp
Kawamata
Kazuya
K
Chiba
Yoshihide
Y
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*