A Pediatric Radiology textbook and Pediatric Radiology digital library
Meconium Obstruction of Prematurity
Etiology: extreme immaturity of the bowel prevents passage of meconium
AXR: distal small bowel obstruction
Enema: normal caliber colon with multiple plugs of meconium seen in the colon and small bowel
Complications: intestinal perforation
Treatment: high osmolar water soluble contrast enema (diluted 1 part contrast: 2 parts sodium chloride) which must be refluxed above dilated loops of small bowel in order to be successful
Clinical: seen in extremely premature infants, will have passed only a little meconium, not associated with cystic fibrosis
