Aspiration of Barium Contrast Medium at Gastric Mass Survey Investigation of Aspiration Cases Encountered in Upper Gastrointestinal Radiographic Contrast Study and its Prevention

• Published in: Rihabiritēshon igaku Vol. 39; no. 4; pp. 180 - 185
• Main Authors: OHKUMA, Ruri, UEMATSU, Mikumo, FUJISHIMA, Ichiro, MUKAI, Aiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine 18.04.2002
• Subjects: aspiration; barium contrast medium; dysphagia; upper gastrointestinal radiographic contrast study; viscosity
• ISSN: 0034-351X; 1880-778X
• DOI: 10.2490/jjrm1963.39.180

Aspiration of barium contrast medium occasionally happens during upper gastrointestinal radiographic contrast study. Aspiration of barium at gastric mass survey was retrospectively reviewed, and preventive measures of aspiration were suggested. We investigated 262, 888 apparently normal persons who underwent upper gastrointestinal radiographic contrast study from 1993 to 2001, and found 118 persons (age range, 30-94 years, mean age, 65 years) who aspirated barium. The average aspiration rate was 0.044%. We categorized subjects by age into two groups: younger than 70 years old and equal to or older than 70 years old. The aspiration rate was remarkably high in the older group (younger group: 0.024%, older group: 0.256%). This suggested that we should be more cautious when older individuals undergo upper gastrointestinal radiographic contrast study. We examined the annual change of aspiration rate, and found that it suddenly increased in 2000, when the viscosity of barium contrast medium used for gastric mass survey was getting thinner. To prevent aspiration, it is necessary to regulate viscosity of barium. It is recommended that we perform a screening test of dysphagia before the radiographic contrast study, particularly in older individuals.