Barium appendicitis after upper gastrointestinal imaging.
BACKGROUND
Barium appendicitis (BA) is a rarely seen entity with fewer than 30 reports in the literature. However, it is a known complication of barium imaging.


OBJECTIVE
To report a case of BA in a patient whose computed tomography (CT) scan was initially read as foreign body ingestion.


METHODS
An 18-year-old man presented with right lower quadrant pain after upper gastrointestinal imaging 2 weeks prior. A CT scan was obtained of his abdomen and pelvis that revealed a finding that was interpreted as a foreign body at the area of the terminal ileum. A plain X-ray study of the abdomen revealed radiopaque appendicoliths. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of barium appendicitis.


CONCLUSIONS
BA is a rare entity and the pathogenesis is unclear. Shorter intervals between barium study and presentation with appendicitis usually correlate with fewer complications.
Novotny
Nathan M
NM
Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Lillemoe
Keith D
KD
Falimirski
Mark E
ME
D000293:Adolescent; D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D001464:Barium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001465:Barium Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis*
D001465:Barium Radioisotopes; D001464:Barium