Chronic Lipoid Pneumonia in a 9-Year-Old Child Revealed by Recurrent Chest Pain

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Rare Diseases
• Toxicology

Background:

• Lipoid pneumonia (LP) in children is uncommon, characterized by lipid accumulation in alveoli.
• Diagnosis is challenging due to non-specific symptoms and imaging, often linked to underlying conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented case of voluntary chronic aspiration of olive oil causing exogenous lipoid pneumonia in a child.
• To discuss the atypical clinical presentation and diagnostic features of this rare pediatric condition.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a previously healthy 9-year-old boy.
• Analysis of clinical presentation, radiological findings, and bronchial alveolar lavage characteristics.
• Review of literature on pediatric lipoid pneumonia.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with isolated chest pain, an atypical initial symptom.
• Radiological and bronchial alveolar lavage findings were suggestive of lipoid pneumonia.
• The etiology was identified as voluntary chronic aspiration of olive oil.

Conclusions:

• Lipoid pneumonia should be considered in pediatric differential diagnoses, even with unusual presentations.
• This case underscores the importance of considering iatrogenic or voluntary aspiration as a cause of exogenous lipoid pneumonia in children.
• Awareness of unique etiologies and clinical manifestations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.