Metal fume fever: a case report and literature review

Metal fume fever is a relatively uncommon presentation to the emergency department. Resulting from inhalation of metal oxides, it presents as an acute, self-limiting, flu-like symptom complex often misdiagnosed as a viral illness. We report a case of a 26-year-old male presenting with metal fume fever 4 h after oxycutting galvanized steel. The literature is reviewed with respect to pathogenesis, the common presenting symptom complex, investigations and current accepted management of metal fume fever.