Barium contrast material may become impacted in the bowel. The contrast material is not water-soluble and solidifies if insufficient water is present.
Risk factors for barium impaction:
(1) dehydration
(2) poor fluid intake
(3) constipation (scleroderma, etc)
(4) cystic fibrosis
The site of impaction can readily be discerned from abdominal X-rays.
Complications:
(1) bowel obstruction
(2) bowel perforation (free air, extravasation of contrast material)
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Specialty: Gastroenterology
