This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Surgery
[{'content': 'Meconium ileus is associated with - \nSelect and explain. \nA. Fibrocystic disease of pancreas, B. Liver aplasia, C. Cirrhosis of liver, D. Malnutrition', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': "Answer: A \nExplanation: Meconium ileus \xa0is a neonatal manifestation of cystic fibrosis (also k/a fibrocystic ds. of pancreas)\nIn cystic fibrosis there is pancreatic enzyme deficiency and abnormal chloride secretion in the intestine that results in the production of viscous water-poor meconium.\nMeconium ileus results because of impaction of this thick meconium in the ileum.\nMeconium ileus presents shortly after birth with progressive abdominal distention and failure to pass meconium with intermittent bilious vomiting.\n\n\nAbdominal x-ray shows\n\ndilated loops of small intestine.\nair-fluid levels do not form in spite of complete small intestinal obstruction, because the enteric contents are viscous and thick.\nsmall bubbles of gas become entrapped in the inspissated meconium in the distal ileum, where they produce a characteristic 'ground glass' appearance on radiograph.\nIn complicated meconium ileus in which perforation has occurred, intraperitoneal egg-shell calcifications are noted.", 'role': 'assistant'}]