title: Barium peritonitis: a rare complication of upper gastrointestinal contrast investigation.
abstract: Contrast examination of the gastrointestinal tract is rarely complicated by perforation. The colon and rectum are most commonly affected, with many perforations limited to the retroperitoneum. Generalised peritonitis is therefore rare, but is life-threatening and difficult to treat. We present two analogous cases in which extravasation of barium sulphate complicated contrast meal investigation. These cases illustrate important aspects in the management of this unusual occurrence.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Surgical Department General Hospital, Georgios Genimatas, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: I D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Karanikas
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Kakoulidis
authors.forename: Z T
authors.initials: ZT
authors.lastname: Gouvas
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hartley
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Koundourakis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001466:Barium Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010439:Peptic Ulcer Perforation / Q000150:complications; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate