Radiology of kerosene poisoning in young children

Chest radiographs of 75 Nigerian children with kerosene poisoning were studied. The commonest pulmonary abnormality, found in 77% of cases, was basal infiltrates. There were more severe lung changes than in previous reports. A striking seasonal variation in kerosene poisoning was observed. Interestingly, air oesophagogram and gaseous distension of the stomach were demonstrated in 23 and 25% of patients, respectively. Probable factors in pathogenesis are discussed.