ABSTRACT
Meconium ileus is an early manifestation of cystic fibrosis
(CF), due to abnormal, inspissated and viscid mucus of
intestinal origin. In children affected by this condition, the
impacted meconium produces an intraluminal obstruction
occurring in the midileum, leading to a progressive disten-
sion. As an ultimate evolution, different mechanical compli-
cations can be associated, including intestinal volvolus,
atresia, gangrene and necrosis, perforation, peritonitis with
abdominal calcifications, and finally, meconial pseudocyst. In
this view, meconium diseases in infancy cannot be firmly
separated into three categories such as meconium plug
syndrome, meconium ileus, and meconium peritonitis, nor
can therapy of each condition.
