An Unwitnessed Case of Foreign Body Aspiration of Barium from an Unknown Source

Nanda, Nainika; Hauser, Brady; Heatley, Diane; Balasubramaniam, Vivek; Barreda, Christina B.

Foreign body (FB) aspiration is potentially life-threatening in children. A variety of sources and objects have been noted in aspiration events with possible complications ranging from mild to life-threatening. While rare, barium aspiration can cause severe complications and removal is particularly challenging. Complications of retained barium include acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonitis, sepsis, even death. Regardless of the foreign body’s identity, substance removal is critical in management. Resourcefulness of removal techniques and an interdisciplinary approach may allow for maximally effective management. We present a case of a pediatric barium aspiration from an unknown source and review evaluation and management strategies.