Korean J Med.  2001 Jul;61(1):53-58.

A case of chemical pneumonitis induced by hydrocarbon ingestion

• Kim DH
• Lee MY
• Oh IG
• Kim BY
• Lee GS
• Lee CS
• Kang JH
• Choi HJ
• Hong JS
• Koh YM

Abstract

Chemical pneumonitis induced by hydrocarbon ingestion is rare in Korea. Cresol and xylenol, commonly used hydrocarbon disinfectants, can cause chemical burn on skin, gastrointestinal corrosive injury, central nervous system disturbance, and multiorgan failure including acute respiratory failure and chemical pneumonitis following intoxication1, 2, 8). We will report a case of chemical pneumonitis induced by ingestion of a hydrocarbon disinfectant as suicidal attempt.A 39-years-old female was found unconscious after ingestion of 100-200mL of solution containing cresol (5.5 g/100 mL), xylenol (7.5 g/100 mL), and benzene (37.5 g/100 mL).Upon arriving at emergency room the patient was in coma, had undectable blood pressure (0/0) and had no self respiration. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation were given immediately, resulting in reversed her consciousness and elevated blood pressure.The patient had dermal burn on face, erosion of oral and gastric mucosa, impairment of liver function, leukocytosis, metabolic acidosis with hypoxemia, chemical pneumonitis, and spontaneous pneumothorax. The patient survived after artificial ventilation, intensive general supportive treatment and wound care. She was discharged in relatively good clinical condition with minimal sequele.

Keyword

Hydrocarbon; Chemical pneumonitis

MeSH Terms

Acidosis
Anoxia
Benzene
Blood Pressure
Burns
Burns, Chemical
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Central Nervous System
Coma
Consciousness
Disinfectants
Eating*
Emergency Service, Hospital
Female
Gastric Mucosa
Humans
Korea
Leukocytosis
Liver
Pneumonia*
Pneumothorax
Respiration
Respiratory Insufficiency
Skin
Ventilation
Wounds and Injuries
Benzene
Disinfectants