High resolution computed tomography appearances of late sequelae of barium aspiration in an asymptomatic young child

Abstract

Barium aspiration is a well-known complication of upper gastro-intestinal studies. Consequences of aspiration are generally insignificant and leave no permanent changes in the lung parenchyma. However, large quantities of high density barium, if aspirated, lead to silent interstitial changes and fibrosis. High-resolution computed tomography HRCT appearances of lung changes have been demonstrated in adults; few such reports are available in the pediatric literature. We report a case of a child who aspirated barium 3 months before this presentation. The HRCT appearances of barium aspiration are presented with a review of the literature.