Computed tomography of retroperitoneal perforation after barium enema.

A case of retroperitoneal perforation of the rectum complicating a single contrast barium enema is presented. The appearances on computed tomography (CT) allowed accurate depiction of the extent of barium extravasation not appreciated on plain films. Although this is an unusual complication of the barium enema, CT may prove useful when the suspicion of perforation arises.