Abdominal Imaging - Technical Note 2016

Adverse effects of barium sulfate in the biliary tract

  • Anna Walsham
  • Jörg Larsen

Received Date: 24.01.2008 Accepted Date: 07.04.2008 Diagn Interv Radiol 2008;14(2):94-96

Reflux of barium sulfate preparations into the biliary tract is rare, but serious complications have been recorded. To consider the implications of such reflux through enterobiliary stents, the literature was reviewed. A case illustrating such an occurrence is presented. Based upon the limited literature available, barium suspension may be retained in particular circumstances and cause or contribute to stent occlusion.

Keywords: adverse effects • barium sulfate• biliary tract • reflux • stents