Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2009 Dec;21(4):406-411.

A Case of Chemical Pneumonitis After Ingestion of Hydrocarbon

• Kim SH
• Jegal Y
• Choy N
• Kim Y

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hydrocarbon is used frequently in the home in places such as the kitchen, garage, and basement. Accidental ingestion of hydrocarbons occurs generally in infants and children in the home. In cases of accidental ingestion, the amount is usually too small to cause medical problems, but can bring about diseases such as chemical pneumonitis.
CASE REPORT
After ingesting organic solvent mistaken for mineral water, a 53-year-old male complained of cough, fever, and pain in the right upper abdomen, back, and right chest. Simple chest x-ray revealed focal chemical pneumonitis mainly involving the right middle lobe. The resulting lung abscess did not resolve until after treatment with drainage accompanied with antibiotics therapy. The ingested solution was analyzed and found to be a C11~C13 hydrocarbon mixture which has low viscosity.
CONCLUSION
Chemical pneumonitis occurred after ingestion of hydrocarbon solution, and there is evidence of aspiratory mechanism.

Keyword

Hydrocarbon; Ingestion; Pneumonitis

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Child
Cough
Drainage
Eating
Fever
Humans
Hydrocarbons
Infant
Lung Abscess
Male
Middle Aged
Mineral Waters
Pneumonia
Thorax
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Hydrocarbons
Mineral Waters