Scrotal Masses in Healed Meconium Peritonitis

Abstract

MECONIUM peritonitis, representing in utero perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, is usually associated with neonatal intestinal obstruction, secondary either to atresia, volvulus, or adhesions from the peritonitis. Only rarely^{1 2 3 4 5 6} may the infants be without any signs of gastrointestinal abnormality. Such male infants may have "hydroceles" at birth, only to return at four weeks of age with hard scrotal "tumor masses." Such masses represent the rapid calcification and tissue reaction of meconium peritonitis; the fetal scrotum communicates with the peritoneal cavity through the patent processus vaginalis through the last months of pregnancy until delivery. Because the correct diagnosis is not suspected . . .