Hydrofluoric acid inhalation injury

Abstract

Hydrofluoric acid has a unique mechanism for causing devastating injuries when it contacts human tissue. Although a great deal of literature exists for cutaneous exposures, inhalational exposures have not been as well studied. Although most cases of severe inhalational exposures to hydrofluoric acid are rapidly lethal, here we present a case of a patient who presented with a severe inhalation injury who survived. This case highlights the extreme complexity of managing this kind of injury and the need for more experimental research to develop better treatment options.