Lipoid pneumonia induced by aspiration of liquid paraffin

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2024 Mar 25;31(1):144-146. doi: 10.26444/aaem/168783. Epub 2023 Jul 20.

Abstract

Introduction: This case report describes a case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) resulting from the inhalation of a lipoid substance. Lipoid pneumonia, also known as cholesterol pneumonia or golden pneumonia, is an uncommon inflammatory lung disease characterized by the presence of lipid-laden macrophages in the alveolar walls and lung interstitial tissue. Exogenous lipoid pneumonia occurs when substances containing lipids enter the airways through aspiration or inhalation, triggering an inflammatory response.

Case report: The patient in this case study was an 83-year-old woman with hypertension and diabetes mellitus who had been using paraffin oil as a mouthwash for an extended period. The diagnosis of exogenous lipoid pneumonia was established based on the patient's history of exposure to liquid paraffin oil, typical radiological findings, and histopathological examination.

Keywords: Lipoid pneumonia; electronic cigarettes; interstitial pulmonary disease; liquid paraffin; rheumatoid arthritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung
  • Mineral Oil / toxicity
  • Oils / toxicity
  • Paraffin*
  • Pneumonia, Lipid* / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Lipid* / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Mineral Oil
  • paraffin oils
  • Oils
  • Paraffin