Cystic fibrosis presenting as fetal anemia: A case report

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis in the fetus may present with meconium ileus, seen as dilated, hyperechogenic bowel on the prenatal ultrasound examination. Rarely does in utero bowel perforation occur with resulting peritoneal echogenicity, ascites or lack of bowel dilation. CASE: In a case of cystic fibrosis in a fetus, all three findings above occurred, as did anemia, most likely secondary to bleeding from perforated bowel. The anemia was detected following the finding of significantly elevated peak flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). CONCLUSION: Fetuses with cystic fibrosis can develop anemia. MCA peak flow velocity measurements are helpful in detecting the anemia.