[Barium aspiration with fatal outcome]

Abstract

A female patient died after aspiration of a barium-containing contrast medium as a result of ARDS in spite of intensive medical care. In cases of aspiration, the degree of aspiration should be documented by X-ray as soon as possible in order to decide upon the extent of specific suction measure. Lethalities after aspiration may be more frequent than can be assumed from the reports in the literature.