Barium Retention Following Examination for Pylorus Stenosis

Barium retention is a rare complication of upper gastrointestinal tract examination when using barium sulphate as a contrast agent. We present a case of rare barium retention and precipitation in the stomach in terrain of chronic gastrostasis and the review of literature on complications of barium sulphate administration. A 38-year-old patient was diagnosed with benign pylorostenosis. After consulting radiology department barium contrast-enhanced X-ray has been indicated. The diagnostic process and the resulting treatment of the complications are described. Patient’s informed consent was obtained. The use of barium sulphate as a contrast agent led to stasis and impaction of the contrast agent, which led to emergency surgery. Histology proved malignant stenosis of the pylorus. The resection edges proved insufficient and a repeated resection was performed. At the time of submission the patient has no confirmed metastatic lesions. In cases of suspected gastrostasis and serious stenosis of the intestine, use of barium sulphate should be avoided and iodine-based contrast agents should be used instead.