Barium bronchogram following hydrostatic reduction of intussusception: presentation of a rare complication and brief review of literature (preprint)

Abstract: Intussusception is one of the most common paediatric emergencies. Frequently occurs in males under the age of two years. Majority of cases are idiopathic. The accepted initial treatment of uncomplicated intussusception is non-surgical enema reduction using pneumatic or hydrostatic techniques (HR) under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance. For HR Barium (Ba) or saline can be used. Complications of HR are rare even though failure to reduce and perforation has been reported. Barium aspiration following HR is hitherto unreported. Ba aspiration in adults and children has been reported following various upper GI contrast studies. We report a case of Ba aspiration following HR of intussusception in a 9 month old child under general anaesthesia. Ba as such is inert, but can remain in lungs for longer period of time and can confuse future imaging studies of respiratory tract.