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Volume 38, Issue 2, Pages 148-149 (February 2010)


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Barium Appendicitis After Upper Gastrointestinal Imaging

Nathan M. Novotny, MDCorresponding Author Information, Keith D. Lillemoe, MD, FACS, Mark E. Falimirski, MD, FACS

Received 22 February 2008; received in revised form 11 April 2008; accepted 21 April 2008. published online 09 October 2008.

Abstract 

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. Case Report: 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.

Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana

Corresponding Author InformationReprint Address: Mark Falimirski, md, IU Simon Cancer Center Ste 5226, 1030 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202

PII: S0736-4679(08)00474-5

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2008.04.017


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