Generalized fatal BaSO4 embolism from vaginal application of colonographic enema. A case report

A 72-year-old woman died due to BaSO4 embolism from a ruptured vagina during colonography. The agony lasted for only 30 minutes. Post-mortem X-rays revealed opaque material in the region of the uterus and in the lungs. A tear, including a ruptured vein, filled with white material (BaSO4) was found in the vaginal wall. Barium was demonstrable in the microscopic sections of lungs, brain, liver and kidneys with rhodizonate staining. The case was classified as a therapeutic accident.