Syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë après inhalation de sulfate de baryum

Introduction Barium sulfate (BS) is chosen to explore swallowing disorders because of its reduced osmolality allowing no adverse reaction if aspirated in the bronchial tree. Case Report A 66-years old man treated for an advanced stage mesothelioma experienced a BS aspiration during an esophagography. He developed 3 days after an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and deceased. The post-mortem examination revealed a diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). Conclusion Whereas BS aspiration is generally well tolerated, serious adverse event as a DAD would exceptionally occurs. Thus, a close watch over respiratory symptoms has to be kept after BS administration, especially in debilitated and elderly patients.