Abstract
Barium is still widely used in developing countries for gastrointestinal investigation because it is cheap and relatively safe. Most institutions however favour low-osmolar non-ionic contrast media for performance of childhood diagnostic enemas. These are relatively expensive and many developing countries reserve their use for cases where perforation is suspected. We present a case where barium leaked into the peritoneum during an enema investigation where no initial features of perforation were present. The added unique complication of barium entering the thoracic lymphatic system was noted. This complication was not found in a review of current literature.
Highlights
A lO-day-old neonate was delivered prematurely at 29 weeks gestation weighing 1060 grams. He was referred to the radiology department for a barium enema examination with the diagnosis of small bowel atresia
The clinical evaluation revealed abdominal distention and plain film radiology showed proximally dilated small bowel with absent distal gas.No features of bowel perforation were present on this series
Other reported complications are intramural intravasation, barium impaction, allergic reaction and cardiac arrhythmia.' We have found no reports in the current literature of barium entering the lymphatic system after intraperitoneal spill and this is reported as a unique feature
Summary
A lO-day-old neonate was delivered prematurely at 29 weeks gestation weighing 1060 grams. SAJOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY· August 2000 thoracic lymphatic system was noted. This campi ication was not found in a review of current literature. Key words Barium enema, lowosmolar non-ionic contrast media, campi ications. He was referred to the radiology department for a barium enema examination with the diagnosis of small bowel atresia.
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