Barium peritonitis. Experience of five pediatric cases.
Barium peritonitis secondary to perforation of the gut is an infrequent complication of radiological G-I tract examinations. It is thought to imply a high mortality rate. However, this conception seems to be based on data obtained during the early 1950's. More recent case reports and small series indicate a more favourable prognosis depending on effective antibiotics and successful maintenance of severely ill patients. The scant information concerning the fate of pediatric cases warranted presentation of the experience of 5 patients, who all survived. Our approach to treatment and the suggested use of barium studies, in particular barium enema, in obscure abdominal emergency cases are offered.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D004733:Enema / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography
D001466:Barium Sulfate