The megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) is a rare congenital complex originally described in 1976 by Berdon et al.' Although 17 cases of MMIHS have been described since this original publication, few have emphasized the importance of antenatal sonographic diagnosis for patient management.2-4 The purpose of this report is to present the sonographic characteristics of MMIHS, stressing those features which differentiate MMIHS from similar congenital abnormalities, and suggest the correct antenatal diagnosis.
CASE REPORT
A healthy 24-year-old gravida 2, para 1 female was referred for fetal sonography after routine obstetrical examination suggested she was small for dates. Her past medical history was unremarkable and her previous pregnancy uncomplicated.
Fetal sonography demonstrated a single living female of approximately 21 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA). Bilateral hydronephrosis as- sociated with a thick-walled, massively dilated bladder was seen [Fig. )l. No hydroureters could be identified, and the base of the bladder was smooth. The quantity of amniotic fluid was normal, and no fetal ascites was identified. The kidneys contained no cysts and had a normal cortical echogenicity . No abnormal bowel loops were seen. A second sonogram at 34 weeks EGA revealed no new findings.