Barium aspiration and alveolarisation of barium in an infant: A case report and review of management

Abstract

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We describe a case of bilateral inhalation and alveolarisation of barium in an infant following a barium swallow for investigation of dusky spells associated with feeds. A bronchoscopy subsequently revealed the presence of a mid-tracheal tracheo-oesophageal cleft. We review the literature on barium aspiration, its consequences and make recommendations for management.

Keywords

• Bronchoscopy
• Pediatrics
• Barium; aspiration
• tracheo-oesophageal cleft
• tracheo-oesophygeal fistula