The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume 38, Issue 2 , Pages 148-149, February 2010

Barium Appendicitis After Upper Gastrointestinal Imaging

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

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.

Keywords: barolith, upper gastrointestinal imaging, UGI, appendicolith

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0736-4679(08)00474-5

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2008.04.017

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume 38, Issue 2 , Pages 148-149, February 2010