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Unilateral lung infiltrate. Lipoid pneumonia
1Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
The European Respiratory Journal
|January 1, 1991
Summary
A case of unilateral lipoid pneumonia was diagnosed using alveolar lavage and lung biopsy. This condition developed after a stroke caused swallowing difficulties, leading to mineral oil aspiration while sleeping on one side.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
Background:
- Lipoid pneumonia is a rare lung disease caused by the aspiration of lipid-laden substances.
- It is often associated with the chronic ingestion or inhalation of mineral oil.
- Risk factors include dysphagia and altered consciousness, which can lead to aspiration.
Observation:
- A patient presented with unilateral lung infiltrate after experiencing a stroke.
- The stroke resulted in significant difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- The patient habitually slept in a right-sided decubitus position due to post-stroke complications.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of unilateral lipoid pneumonia was confirmed through alveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy.
- Histopathological examination revealed lipid-laden macrophages in the alveolar spaces.
- The unilateral nature of the infiltrate correlated with the patient's sleeping position.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering mineral oil aspiration in patients with dysphagia and unilateral lung disease.
- Positional factors can significantly influence the distribution of aspiration pneumonia.
- Early diagnosis and identification of the causative agent are crucial for managing lipoid pneumonia.