Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Mouse Model of Oleic Acid-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
04:45

Mouse Model of Oleic Acid-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Published on: June 2, 2022

Lipoid pneumonia secondary to long-term use of evening primrose oil

Marcelo Fouad Rabahi1, Andreia Alves Ferreira, João Gabriel Piccirilli Madeira

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Goiás School of Medicine, Goiânia, Brazil. mfrabahi@terra.com.br

Jornal Brasileiro De Pneumologia : Publicacao Oficial Da Sociedade Brasileira De Pneumologia E Tisilogia
|November 19, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Lipoid pneumonia, a lung disease from aspirating lipids, can be caused by substances like evening primrose oil. Discontinuing the offending agent improved a patient's persistent cough.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Lipoid pneumonia is an underdiagnosed lung condition resulting from the aspiration of lipid particles.
  • While mineral oil laxatives are a common cause, other lipid substances can also induce this disease.

Observation:

  • A 50-year-old female presented with a persistent productive cough, initially misdiagnosed as bronchial hyperresponsiveness and GERD.
  • Despite treatment for GERD, the cough continued, prompting further investigation.

Findings:

  • Diagnostic procedures including chest CT, bronchoscopy, and lung biopsy confirmed lipoid pneumonia.
  • The patient reported chronic use of evening primrose oil, identified as the causative agent.

Implications:

  • This case highlights evening primrose oil as a potential cause of lipoid pneumonia.
  • Discontinuation of the lipid substance, alongside continued GERD management, led to clinical improvement, underscoring the importance of thorough patient history.

More Related Videos

Visualizing Lung Cellular Adaptations during Combined Ozone and LPS Induced Murine Acute Lung Injury14:48

Visualizing Lung Cellular Adaptations during Combined Ozone and LPS Induced Murine Acute Lung Injury

Published on: March 21, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...