Am J Perinatol 2004; 21(4): 241-246
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-828607
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Intrauterine Intussusception Presenting as Fetal Ascites at Prenatal Ultrasonography

Jeong-In Yang1 , Haeng-Soo Kim1 , Ki-Hong Chang1 , Jeong Hong2 , Hee-Jae Joo3 , Hee-Sug Ryu1
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
  • 2Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
  • 3Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 May 2004 (online)

Intrauterine intussusception, an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction, has rarely been detected by prenatal ultrasonography. We report two cases of intrauterine intussusception after gestation, which presented as isolated fetal ascites at 30 weeks of gestation by ultrasonography. In case 1, on the follow-up ultrasonography at 32 weeks of gestation, the previously observed ascites had disappeared, whereas the echogenicity of the bowel was increased without any sign of dilation, suggesting the presence of meconium peritonitis. The fetus was delivered at 39 weeks. In case 2, however, the amount of fetal ascites became increased, and the fetus was delivered at 34 weeks of gestation. After delivery, both infants were surgically explored with resection of the ileum with end-to-end anastomosis because of intrauterine intussusception and ileal atresia. From the experience of these cases, we suggest that the ultrasonographic finding of isolated or transient fetal ascites might contribute to the early diagnosis and management of intrauterine intussusception.

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Jeong-In YangM.D. Ph.D. 

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ajou University School of Medicine

San-5, Wonchon-dong, Paldal-ku, Kyunggi-do, 442-749, Suwon, Korea