Aspiration of high-density barium contrast medium causing acute pulmonary inflammation--report of two fatal cases in elderly women with disordered swallowing.
Two cases are reported in which accidental inhalation of barium contrast medium occurred owing to disordered swallowing in elderly women. In each case there was a pulmonary inflammatory reaction followed within a few hours by death. Experimental and clinical reports of barium inhalation are reviewed and the hazard of aspiration of high density barium preparations in elderly and debilitated patients with dysphagia is emphasised. It is concluded that particular care should be taken in the radiological examination of such patients, and a suggested method for performing a contrast swallow in those who are liable to aspirate is described.
Department of Pathology, University of Leeds.
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C
Gray
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Sivaloganathan
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KC
Simpkins
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001344:Autopsy; D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography
D001466:Barium Sulfate