Summary
Two cases of barium granuloma, an anorectal complication of barium enema x-ray studies are presented. The author has searched available medical literature and can find only one other case of the same type reported.8 It is believed that these are cases two and three. After subcutaneous injection of various solutions in rabbits it is concluded that barium sulfate itself is not toxic when deposited under the perianal skin. Barium sulfate contaminated with feces is toxic and causes considerable induration. Barium sulfate tannic acid solution contaminated with feces is the most toxic with the reaction appearing much earlier.
A rare proctologic complication of barium enema x-ray studies is presented for information and no condemnation of present x-ray technic is intended.
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References
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Read at the meeting of the American Proctologic Society, Houston, Texas, April 25 to 27, 1960.
Hereinafter termed barium enema examination or studies.
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Burnikel, R.H. Barium granuloma. Dis Colon Rectum 5, 224–227 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02616641
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02616641