Presentation
Aspiration of barium during a fluoroscopic procedure
Patient Data
Gender: Male
From the case:
Barium aspiration
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Diffuse nodular densities in the lower lobes in keeping with barium aspiration
Case Discussion
Barium sulfate is a contrast agent often used in GI tract studies. Aspiration is a potential complication of oral barium and the severity depends on the amount of contrast in the respiratory tract. Small amounts of aspirated barium can often be brought up with a forceful cough, as in the case here. Alternatively, positional and percussive drainage by physiotherapists can also play a role in the removal of barium.