title: Barium impaction as a complication of gastrointestinal scleroderma.
abstract: Two patients with scleroderma of the bowel experienced life-threatening barium impaction after upper intestinal x-ray studies. Although the frequency of this complication is unknown, the difficulty of managing it when it occurs makes prevention imperative. X-ray studies should be performed only after careful consideration of the risks and benefits. When x-ray studies are performed, the patient should be vigorously purged soon thereafter, and a follow-up roentgenogram should be obtained to confirm adequate removal of barium.
mesh_terms: D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005244:Fecal Impaction / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
chemical_list: D001466:Barium Sulfate