Perforation of barium sulfate enterography in an infant: A case report

Yixing Lu1, Lixian Mo2, Junhong Chen3

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China.

Medicine
|April 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Barium peritonitis, a rare complication of barium tests, can cause fatal organ failure in infants. Early recognition and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing this severe condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Abdominal Radiology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Barium peritonitis results from accidental barium leakage into the abdominal cavity during diagnostic imaging.
  • This inflammatory condition can lead to severe complications, including multi-organ failure and mortality.

Observation:

  • A 3-month-old infant developed multiple organ failure following barium peritonitis.
  • The infant received extensive medical interventions, including surgery, ventilation, and supportive care.

Findings:

  • Despite comprehensive treatment, the infant experienced clinical death, with resuscitation efforts proving unsuccessful.
  • Barium enema perforation, though uncommon, carries a high mortality rate, particularly in pediatric patients.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical need for heightened clinician awareness regarding the risks associated with barium studies in infants and children.
  • Prompt multidisciplinary consultation and collaborative management are essential to mitigate mortality following gastrointestinal perforations.
Abstract

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