[A case of acute acrolein poisoning]

A four and a half year old boy was hospitalised with acute respiratory failure due to the inhalation during two hours of the smoke from an overheated frier. Oxygen, corticosteroids and furosemide led to clinical stabilisation but after 24 hours asphyxia developed. The trachea was found to be obstructed by a firm elastic substance which prevented intubation or bronchoscopy. Autopsy revealed massive cellular desquamation of the bronchial lining. The lumen was occupied by miscellaneous debris. There were multiple pulmonary infarcts. This is the second case of acute intoxication by acroleine. In the light of these two cases, treatment should consist of corticosteroids, antibiotherapy, inhalation therapy, and repeated bronchial aspiration.