Elements · ← Cs Cesium · La Lanthanum →
Barium sulfate is a contrast agent that shows the gut on X-rays.
| Symbol | Ba |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 56 |
| Standard atomic weight | 137.33 |
| Group | 2 |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | s-block |
| Category | Alkaline earth metal |
| Standard state | Solid |
| Discovered | 1808 |
Source: PubChem, Barium (periodic table data, retrieved 2026-10-19). Group and period follow the standard 18-column periodic table.
Gollub and Bains reviewed 29 postoperative esophagograms made with diluted barium sulfate that showed leaks; no patient developed mediastinitis, and they concluded barium can be used safely to rule out leaks after esophageal surgery.
As reported in: Gollub, Bains (1997). Barium sulfate: a new (old) contrast agent for diagnosis of postoperative esophageal leaks.. Radiology. doi:10.1148/radiology.202.2.9015057
Abstract only
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