The clinical significance of increased echogenicity in the fetal abdomen

Seven cases of increased echogenicity in the fetal abdomen detected on prenatal sonography were reviewed for findings and causes. In four cases, the findings corresponded to calcification secondary to meconium peritonitis, infection, or unknown cause. One infant with meconium ileus had inspissated but noncalcified meconium corresponding to the increased echoes. In two cases, follow-up prenatal sonography was normal, and the neonate was also normal. Eight cases from the literature with increased echogenicity in the fetal abdomen were also reviewed: Two cases were secondary to meconium ileus, and six were caused by meconium peritonitis. Increased abdominal echogenicity on prenatal sonography may result from various processes that may affect obstetric and neonatal management.