Vernix caseosa peritonitis is a rare complication of pregnancy that can occur following Caesarean section. If fetal vernix enters the peritoneal cavity, it may incite an acute inflammatory response leading to peritonitis. This diagnosis should be considered when patients present with an acute abdomen pain following Caesarean section. Radiological imaging may identify lesions in the abdominal wall wound or peritoneal cavity, and the diagnosis can be made by image-guided biopsy.
© 2011 The Authors. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology © 2011 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.