Meconium Aspiration Syndrome By Arcangela Lattari Balest, MD, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Jul 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Key Points Intrapartum meconium aspiration can cause inflammatory pneumonitis and mechanical bronchial obstruction, causing a syndrome of respiratory distress.