title: Barium and fecal impaction: an unusual case of bilateral hydronephrosis.
abstract: We present an interesting case report of the second adult female reported to suffer from bilateral ureteral hydronephrosis, secondary to a fecal impaction, and the first caused by complications from residual barium. This elderly patient suffers from many associated neurologic, bowel, and urinary tract problems; this case report demonstrates their close proximal relationship. Through ureteral stent placement and manual disimpaction of the barium fecaloma, the patient was able to recover her normal renal and bowel functions. Aided by the use of excellent figures, it is our intent to inform physicians that they should consider fecal impaction as a cause for bilateral ureteral hydronephrosis in predisposed patients, and also the necessity of purging the GI tract of residual barium following radiologic studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, Pennsylvania 19013-3995, USA.
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Claffey
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Patton
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Haith
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Germain
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Kerstein
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005244:Fecal Impaction / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015607:Stents; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D001466:Barium Sulfate