Fire-eater's pneumonia characterized by pneumatocele formation and spontaneous resolution.
Liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum are widely used in industry and in households. Aspiration of massive amounts may lead to an acute and fatal form of exogenous lipoid pneumonia (fire-eater's pneumonia). We present a rare case of chemical pneumonitis following accidental lamp oil aspiration characterized by pneumatocele formation and spontaneous resolution. Initial findings on posteroanterior chest radiographs were smoothly circumscribed lower zone masses with and without air-fluid levels. Chest computed tomography also showed multiple thin-walled cavities with and without air-fluid levels. Complete resolution of findings despite initial severe presentation without corticosteroid or antibiotic treatment is noteworthy.
Kadakal
Figen
F
Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Yedikule Teaching Hospital for Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey.
Uysal
Mehmet Atilla
MA
Gülhan
Nazan Bayram
NB
Turan
Nurten Güner
NG
Bayramoğlu
Sibel
S
Yilmaz
Veysel
V
D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005390:Fires; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000700:Analgesics