[Pseudotumoral lipid pneumopathies. Apropos of six cases]

In cases of localised pneumonia due to oil aspiration, the diagnosis may be difficult and is often assessed by thoracotomy. Six cases of lung paraffinoma are reported. The lesion, localised in the lower lobe in five patients out of six, was discovered on screening chest x-rays. In two cases, two lesions were observed in the same patient. All six patients underwent lung resection. Diagnosis was made on histologic examination showing foreign body reactions against oil. Oil aspiration was due to oily nose drops in one patient and to the use of paraffin oil on a tracheostomy in two others. The preoperative diagnosis may be suspected on bronchial lavage CT scan and MRI. When the diagnosis is strongly suspected, thoracotomy can be avoided as in some cases withdrawal of the medication can be followed by progressive resolution of the radiological signs.