title: Chemical pneumonitis.
abstract: Many organic and nonorganic agents can cause chemical pneumonitis. The more soluble agents tend to involve the upper respiratory tract, whereas less soluble agents reach the distal airways, causing pulmonary edema. The initial chest radiograph can be normal for as long as 48 hours, therefore delayed radiographs are important in significant exposures. The most common radiographic pattern is pulmonary edema, although various radiographic opacities have been reported. Acute complications include secondary pneumonia. Long-term complications include bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis obliterans, and lung destruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Templeton
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography