CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF MECONIUM DISEASE

Abstract

Meconium ileus without mucoviscidosis is called as meconium disease (MD), a condition which causes obstruction of the distal ileum in the neonatal period. It is thus difficult to distinguish this disease from entire colon aganglionosis (ECA). In this paper, we discuss the differential diagnosis of these two diseases and the treatment of MD.
We experienced 6 cases of MD and 13 cases of ECA. There were no significant differences in clinical features. On plain abdominal X-ray, dilated small intestines were seen in both diseases but air-fluid levels seen in the majority of ECA patients were not recognized in all cases of MD. A barium enema showed microcolon in 31% cases of ECA and all cases of MD.
We recommend Gastrografin ememas as the treatment of choice in MD.