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Freon inhalational abuse presenting with ventricular fibrillation
W J Brady1, E Stremski, L Eljaiek
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Inhaling volatile fluorinated hydrocarbons can cause severe cardiac and neurological damage. A teenager experienced ventricular fibrillation after inhaling a coolant, which was treated with bretylium, highlighting the risks of hydrocarbon abuse.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons are known to cause significant cardiac and neurological toxicity.
- Intentional inhalation, or 'huffing,' poses serious health risks, particularly to adolescents.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male presented with immediate ventricular fibrillation after intentional inhalation of a fluorinated hydrocarbon.
- The patient also developed aspiration pneumonitis and rhabdomyolysis during hospitalization.
Findings:
- Intravenous bretylium successfully restored a hemodynamically stable sinus tachycardia.
- Complete neurological recovery was achieved despite the initial severe cardiac event.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical danger of volatile fluorinated hydrocarbon inhalation.
- Prompt recognition and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias are essential for managing hydrocarbon toxicity.