Echogenic fetal bowel in the third trimester associated with meconium ileus secondary to cystic fibrosis. A case report.

Echogenicity of the fetal bowel seen sonographically can vary at different gestational ages. Increased echogenicity of small bowel loops is seen commonly in the second trimester. We encountered a case of increased bowel echogenicity with shadowing in the third trimester in a fetus who had meconium ileus associated with cystic fibrosis. Other reports also indicate that a persistent echogenic appearance of fetal small bowel in the third trimester, particularly with shadowing, is worrisome and can be associated with meconium ileus.