What are the major complications of barium sulfate enteric contrast material?
Leakage of barium sulfate enteric contrast material from the bowel into the mediastinum or peritoneal cavity can lead to mediastinitis or peritonitis, respectively. As such, when bowel perforation is suspected or known to exist, iodinated water-soluble enteric contrast material, rather than barium sulfate enteric contrast material, is administered.
Aspiration of large volumes of barium sulfate contrast material can lead to acute respiratory distress or pneumonia.
Adverse reactions to barium sulfate enteric contrast material can occur but are rare and are almost always mild.