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. 1997 May;73(859):297–298. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.73.859.297

Barium peritonitis: a rare complication of upper gastrointestinal contrast investigation.

I D Karanikas 1, D D Kakoulidis 1, Z T Gouvas 1, J E Hartley 1, S S Koundourakis 1
PMCID: PMC2431322  PMID: 9196705

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.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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