How do you diagnose meconium ileus?

Diagnosis. The earliest signs of meconium ileus are abdominal distention (a swollen belly), bilious (green) vomit and no passage of meconium. Your child’s doctor will order an X-ray of your child’s abdomen to find out if she has meconium in her intestines.

What leads to meconium ileus?

Meconium ileus is blockage of the small intestine in a newborn caused by excessively thick intestinal contents (meconium), usually as a result of cystic fibrosis. Meconium ileus usually results from cystic fibrosis.

Why is there Microcolon in meconium ileus?

This blockage is referred to as meconium ileus. Above the blockage, the small intestine is enlarged (dilated), resulting in abdominal swelling (distention). Below the blockage, the large intestine (colon) is narrow (called microcolon) because nothing is passing through it.

What is difference between meconium plug and meconium ileus?

The difference between meconium ileus and meconium plug syndrome is in the site and severity of the obstruction. Contrast enema radiographic examination demonstrates a microcolon, often with no bowel contents. Reflux of contrast into the small bowel reveals the plugs.

Is meconium ileus an emergency?

Therefore, meconium ileus is considered a surgical emergency that requires prompt treatment in order to avoid further complications.

What are the symptoms of meconium ileus?

Symptoms of Meconium Ileus

• No passing of the first stool (meconium)
• Green vomit (also called bilious because it contains bile, a liquid made in the liver to help digest fats)
• Swollen belly (abdomen), maybe soon after birth.

Is meconium ileus congenital?

Meconium ileus is a congenital small bowel obstruction caused by plugging of the distal small bowel with meconium. Most infants with meconium ileus are found to have cystic fibrosis on subsequent investigation or neonatal screening.

Is meconium ileus common?

About 1 in 5 babies with CF is born with meconium ileus. Some babies with meconium ileus have other problems with their intestines, like a hole in the intestine (perforation).

Who performs a barium enema?

The exam will be performed by a radiology technician and a physician who specializes in diagnostic imaging (radiologist). You’ll begin the exam lying on your side on a specially designed table. An X-ray will be taken to make sure your colon is clean. Then a lubricated enema tube will be inserted into your rectum.