A Case of Meconium Hydrocele Presenting as Inguinal Mass in a Female Newborn

ABSTRACT

Meconium peritonitis results from in-utero perforation of gastrointestinal tract, with subsequent leakage of meconium into the peritoneal cavity. Patent processus vaginalis of male or female fetus may lead to migration of meconium into inguinal canal, and these infants may present meconium filled hydroceles at birth. The predominance of meconium hydrocele in the male infant may be due to the obliteration of processus vaginalis occuring later than in the female fetus. We report a rare case of bilateral meconium hydrocele in the female newborn, which mimic clinical symptoms and ultrasonographic findings of incarcerated hernia.