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Silicone injection causing acute pneumonitis: a case series.
Ana C Zamora1, Harold R Collard, Lourdes Barrera
1Department of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas (INER), Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Col. Seccion XVI, Mexico City, Mexico. zamora72@gmail.com
Lung
|May 12, 2009
Summary
Silicone injections, particularly for cosmetic buttock augmentation, can cause acute pneumonitis. Steroid treatment appears effective in resolving this serious pulmonary complication.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
- Cosmetic Surgery Complications
Background:
- Silicone injections are used for cosmetic purposes.
- Complications, including systemic effects, can arise from injected silicone.
- Unlicensed practitioners pose a risk for adverse events.
Observation:
- A retrospective case series identified five male patients (mean age 25) with acute pneumonitis after silicone buttock injections.
- Symptoms appeared 24 hours to 15 days post-injection.
- Injected silicone volumes ranged from 30 to 500 ml.
Findings:
- High-resolution computed tomography revealed diffuse, peripheral opacities.
- Patients presented with significantly low oxygen saturation (mean 84%).
- All patients received steroid treatment.
Implications:
- Silicone injection can lead to severe pulmonary complications.
- Steroid therapy demonstrates benefit in managing post-silicone pneumonitis.
- This highlights the risks associated with cosmetic silicone procedures.
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