Acute respiratory distress syndrome and chemical burns after exposure to chlorine-containing bleach: a case report

Abstract

Chlorine-containing bleach can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and chemical burns. However, simultaneous occurrence of the two conditions caused by this agent is very rare. We describe the case of a 74-year-old female who presented with shortness of breath and hemoptysis following accidental exposure to chlorine-containing bleach. She had second- to third-degree chemical burns on both buttocks and thighs, and received mechanical ventilation because of the development of ARDS. Mechanical ventilation was discontinued on day 6 of hospitalization because of the rapid improvement of hypoxemia, and the patient was transferred to another hospital for further management of the chemical burns on day 18.

Keywords: Chlorine; acute respiratory distress syndrome; chemical burns.

Figure 1

Chest plain radiograph acquired at presentation reveals diffuse bilateral infiltrates.

Figure 2

Chest CT image acquired at presentation shows bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities with interstitial thickening and patchy consolidation in the upper (A) and lower lobes (B).

Figure 3

Chest CT image acquired on day 9 of hospitalization shows marked improvement in the bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities in the upper (A) and lower lobes (B).

Figure 4

Photograph of the buttocks and thighs on day 9 of hospitalization. Second- to third-degree chemical burns are observed on both buttocks and thighs.