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[A baby with an abdomen full of balls]

Nicolette D Moes1, Harma A Koetse

  • 1Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis, Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, The Netherlands.

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|February 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Calcified meconium balls in a newborn indicate an urethrorectal fistula. This rare condition, associated with anorectal malformations, occurs when urine enters the intestinal tract, causing calcification.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatal Imaging
  • Congenital Malformations

Background:

  • Anorectal septum malformation is a rare congenital anomaly.
  • Urethrorectal fistulas can occur as part of these malformations.
  • Meconium is the first stool passed by a newborn.

Observation:

  • Radiologic examination of a 2-day-old female infant revealed intra-abdominal densities within the colon.
  • These densities were identified as calcified meconium balls.

Findings:

  • The calcification of meconium was attributed to the presence of urine within the intestinal tract.
  • This finding confirmed the diagnosis of an urethrorectal fistula.

Implications:

  • Calcified meconium balls serve as a radiologic marker for urethrorectal fistulas in neonates.
  • Early identification of this condition is crucial for timely surgical intervention.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering urinary tract anomalies in infants with anorectal malformations.

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