Acute eosinophilic pneumonia following intentional inhalation of Scotchguard

We present a case of acute pneumonia associated with eosinophilic infiltration of the lung accompanied by respiratory failure preceded by repetitive inhalation abuse of Scotchguard. The patient responded to mechanical ventilation and corticosteroid therapy. This case is similar to other idiopathic acute eosinophilic pneumonia cases except for identifying an associated chemical abuse. This case supports the use of diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage in acute respiratory failure and presents a previously unreported complication of the inhalation abuse of 1,1,1-trichloroethane.