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[Pathohistological changes in fetuses with cystic fibrosis]

Matilda Dolai1, Tamara Bosković, Aleksandra Levakov

  • 1Klinicki centar Vojvodine, Centar za patblogiju i histologiju, Medicinski fakultet Novi Sad. djolaim@gmail.com

Medicinski Pregled
|March 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study reports a rare case of cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosed in a 5-month-old fetus, showing early intestinal obstruction and pancreatic changes. This finding is unusual for the fetal stage, suggesting earlier onset of CF pathology.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Genetics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive disease intensity and histopathological changes.
  • Typically, CF-related pathological changes are observed around the sixth month of life.

Observation:

  • A 5-lunar month-old fetus diagnosed with cystic fibrosis via amniocentesis underwent medically indicated preterm labor.
  • Autopsy and histopathological analysis revealed typical CF changes in the pancreas and intestines.

Findings:

  • The fetus presented with meconial obstruction, an intestinal blockage common in late fetal CF cases.
  • Unusually for a 5-month fetus, typical acidophilic content was observed in pancreatic secretory ducts and acini, indicating early exocrine gland involvement.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for earlier onset of cystic fibrosis-related morphological changes than previously documented.
  • Early detection of fetal cystic fibrosis may necessitate revised diagnostic and management strategies.
Abstract

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