Ascitis fetal como manifestación de peritonitis meconial; presentación de un caso y revisión de literature

Abstract

Introduction: Meconial peritonitis (MP) corresponds to an inflammation of the peritoneum due to a sterile chemical reaction produced by the presence of meconium, secondary to a intestinal perforation in utero. We present a real case of MP whose relevance is given by the low incidence of this disease, being approximately 1 case per 30,000 live births. The present work has as objective to present the classic presentation of the MP through an updated literature review. Clinical case: A 21-year-old woman, primigravous, with a pregnancy of 33 + 5 weeks, and a history of gestational hypothyroidism, is referred to the maternal emergency service due to the following finding on ultrasound performed that same day: Fetal ascites, hyperechogenic bowel, without alterations in fetal echo-Doppler. Patient is hospitalized for study. Laboratory tests, including HIV and VDRL, were negative and did not clarify an etiology. Given later sonographic findings, the diagnosis is oriented towards MP, which was observed once the pregnancy was interrupted at week 38 + 5. Discussion: MP represents a challenge for the physician both in diagnosis and treatment, which is partly due to its low incidence. The case presents the most classic presentation of the MP, in which it was possible to establish the importance of prenatal diagnosis and how it influences the prognosis and subsequent management. There is agreement to adopt an expectant behavior towards MP and even wait for the start of spontaneous birth, if there are no other contraindications.