title: Facial injury and airway threat from inhalant abuse: a case report.
abstract: Fluorinated hydrocarbons cause toxicity in humans via their dysrhythmogenic potential and their local physical effects on the skin and mucous membranes. The former is generally the more life-threatening toxic consequence. We present a case of fluorinated hydrocarbon injury resulting from an intentional inhalation exposure that created facial frostbite, which threatened the patient's airway. The clinical range and management of these tissue-toxic effects are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Kurbat
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Pollack
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D005617:Chlorofluorocarbons, Methane / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004487:Edema; D004630:Emergencies; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005627:Frostbite / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D005617:Chlorofluorocarbons, Methane; C009755:fluorocarbon 22