Presentation
History of brain stem stroke.
Patient Data
Age: 40 years
Gender: Male
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Barium swallow study done to rule out aspiration and assess swallowing.
Lateral image shows pooling of contrast in the pharynx with aspiration of the barium contrast into the airway.
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Chest AP film confirms aspiration which shows contrast inside the bronchial tree.
Study was immediately suspended.
Case Discussion
Barium aspiration is a rare complication of gastrointestinal studies. The severity depends on the amount of contrast aspirated in the respiratory tract.