Calcification of the Meconium within the Bowel of the Newborn

Abstract

Since Neuhauser (I1944) drew attention to the radiological features of intra-abdominal calcification associated with meconium peritonitis, this condition has been diagnosed with increasing frequency. However, all cases showing intra-abdominal calcification at birth are not due to meconium peritonitis. Up to the present time four cases have been reported which show calcification within the lumen of the bowel. In all except one, some biochemical investigations were carried out. Camp and Roberts (1949) reported a baby with ileal stenosis, in whom calcification was present as small concretions in the meconium. No biochemical studies were done on either the baby or the meconium, but radiographs of the skeleton were normal.