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Pulmonary injury after intravenous hydrocarbon injection

A M Guerguerian1, J Lacroix

  • 1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Departments of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine Hospital, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec.

Paediatrics & Child Health
|February 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Intravenous hydrocarbon injection can cause severe, yet reversible, pulmonary edema. This case highlights a young man

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Case Reports

Background:

  • Hydrocarbon ingestion is a common cause of poisoning.
  • Intravenous injection of hydrocarbons is rare and poorly documented.
  • Pulmonary complications following hydrocarbon injection are not well understood.

Observation:

  • An 18-year-old male presented with acute chest pain, cough, and progressive dyspnea.
  • Initial investigations revealed severe metabolic acidosis and pulmonary edema on chest radiograph.
  • The patient reported self-injection with Varsol, a hydrocarbon mixture, prior to symptom onset.

Findings:

  • Intravenous hydrocarbon injection led to acute, reversible pulmonary edema.
  • The patient's respiratory status and chest radiograph normalized within 7 days.
  • This case demonstrates a direct link between intravenous hydrocarbon administration and pulmonary injury.

Implications:

  • Highlights a potential route of severe pulmonary toxicity from hydrocarbon abuse.
  • Suggests prompt recognition and supportive care are crucial for managing hydrocarbon-induced pulmonary edema.
  • Underscores the need for awareness among healthcare professionals regarding non-traditional routes of substance abuse and their consequences.

Keywords:
Acute lung injuryCritical careHydrocarbonIntensive care unitPulmonary edema

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