Barium-associated appendicitis in a childhood case with Crohn's disease

The Association Between Barium Examination and Subsequent Appendicitis: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

“…However, over 50 cases of appendicitis following BE have been reported since 1954. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The interval between the symptoms onset of appendicitis and BE varied widely, from 6 hours to several years. 2,8,9 Thus, no clear association between BE and appendicitis has been determined yet.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The interval between the symptoms onset of appendicitis and BE varied widely, from 6 hours to several years. 2,8,9 Thus, no clear association between BE and appendicitis has been determined yet. Gubler and others [1][2][3][4][6][7][8] believed that barium retained in the appendix may cause the development of a barolith, causing obstruction and inflammation of the appendix as an appendicolith.…”

“…2,8,9 Thus, no clear association between BE and appendicitis has been determined yet. Gubler and others [1][2][3][4][6][7][8] believed that barium retained in the appendix may cause the development of a barolith, causing obstruction and inflammation of the appendix as an appendicolith. However, Cohen et al 9,10 did not believe that retained barium had an etiologic role in subsequent appendicitis, for no appendicitis developed in 31 patients who retained appendiceal barium during a 1-year follow-up.…”

“…The term appendicitis in this article not only refers to acute appendicitis (ICD-9-CM codes 540), but also comprises the ICD-9-CM codes of 541 and 542, due to the various presentations of barium-related appendicitis. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Perforated appendicitis (ICD-9-CM codes 540.0, 540.1) was also evaluated as a critical issue for clinical management. All patients were followed from their index date until appendicitis diagnosis, death, the date of withdrawal from the NHI program, or the end of 2011.…”

“…appendicitis in 1954, only case reports of subsequent appendicitis after upper GI series and barium enema studies have been documented, and the clinical courses varied widely from hours to years. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The risk and etiology of barium-related appendicitis remain unknown and debatable. 9 To ascertain the correlation between barium examination (BE) and appendicitis, a study made up of a relatively large number of BE patients with a high follow-up rate was necessary.…”