Barium aspiration

Case contributed by Nicola Zelow
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Aspiration of barium during a fluoroscopic procedure

Patient Data

Gender: Male
x-ray

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.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.