Blood pressure changes during barium enema

AIMS: To document blood pressure changes during barium enema examination an d to determine at what point in the examination changes are likely to occur . METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood pressure measurements were taken at seven points during the course of barium enema examination in 107 consecutive patients. We found that patients over the age of 60 years had statistically signific ant decreases in blood pressure when they were stood up during the course o f the examination. Many of these patients were asymptomatic. Patients who h ad symptoms (15/107, 14%) when standing up had a degree of hypotension. The duration of barium enema examination is longer in those patients who exper ience symptoms. CONCLUSION: During a barium enema examination hypotension occurs at the poi nt of standing up more frequently in patients over 60 years and in those wh o suffer symptoms at this time. Patients who fall into one of these groups should be considered at risk of fainting at this point in the examination. A modified technique to avoid standing should be considered in at-risk pati ents. (C) 2001 The Royal College of Radiologists.