Metal fume-induced diffuse alveolar damage.
Metal fume fever is a well-defined clinical entity characterized by a self-limited influenza-like illness. Severe and protracted illness related to metal fume exposure is rare. We describe 2 related cases of serious metal fume fever in a 29- and a 51-year-old male precipitated by the use of an acetylene torch to dismantle galvanized steel in a poorly ventilated area. Each case was unusual in both severity and duration of symptoms for metal fume exposure. High-resolution computed tomography scans revealed diffuse alveolar damage in both patients. The 29-year-old male was started on steroids 1-day after exposure and experienced a significantly attenuated course of symptoms compared with the 58-year-old male, who received treatment 3 days after exposure.
Bydash
Jason
J
Department of Internal Medicine, St Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio 43608, USA. jbydash@sbcglobal.net
Kasmani
Rahil
R
Naraharisetty
Kalpana
K
D000328:Adult; D005740:Gases; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014896:Welding
D005740:Gases; D008670:Metals