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Perforation associated with barium enema in acute appendicitis
N Shust1, C E Blane, K T Oldham
1Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor 48109-0252.
Pediatric Radiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
A rare complication of barium enema, a diagnostic tool for appendicitis, occurred when barium leaked into the abdominal cavity. Despite this rare risk, barium enema remains valuable for uncertain appendicitis diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Appendicitis diagnosis can be challenging, especially in atypical cases.
- Barium enema has been used historically for appendicitis evaluation.
- Assessing the risks and benefits of barium enema is crucial.
Observation:
- A child with suspected atypical appendicitis experienced a barium enema.
- The diagnostic procedure resulted in a rare complication: barium perforation and leakage into the peritoneal cavity.
- This led to a complex hospital course for the patient.
Findings:
- The complication of barium leakage during appendicitis diagnosis is extremely rare.
- Literature review confirms the rarity of this specific barium enema complication.
- The study reevaluates the role and contraindications of barium enema.
Implications:
- Despite the rare risk of perforation, barium enema retains a diagnostic role in select cases of uncertain appendicitis.
- Careful patient selection and procedural awareness are essential when considering barium enema.
- This case highlights the need for continued evaluation of diagnostic imaging safety and efficacy.