Acute hydrocarbon pneumonia after white spirit aspiration: sequential HRCT findings.

Abstract

Hydrocarbon pneumonia is a very uncommon condition resulting from aspiration of mineral oil into the lung. We report the first description of early and sequential high-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) findings of hydrocarbon pneumonia following attempted suicide by white spirit aspiration. Initial HRCT showed patchy opacities of coalescing masses with well-defined walls. They were visible in the middle lobe, lingula and lower lobes. Follow-up CT showed regression of the alveolar opacities, the presence of pneumatoceles and right asymptomatic pneumothorax. After 23 months of follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, and the follow-up CT scan was considered normal. The radiological features and a review of the relevant literature are briefly discussed.

• Authors: David Facon, Jean Coumbaras, Emmanuelle Bigot, Fouad Bahlouli, Alain Boissonnas, Marie-France Bellin
• Journal: European radiology (Eur Radiol) Vol. 15 Issue 1 Pg. 31-3 (Jan 2005) ISSN: 0938-7994 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 15252749 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Mineral Oil

Topics

• Adult
• Humans
• Male
• Mineral Oil (poisoning)
• Pneumonia, Lipid (chemically induced, diagnostic imaging)
• Suicide, Attempted
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed (methods)