Lipoid Pneumonia Secondary to Diesel Aspiration: An Occupational Hazard

Abstract

Lipoid pneumonia is defined as a type of pneumonia that occurs as a result of inhalation of either endogenous or exogenous lipid-containing products in the lungs. We present the case of a 55-year-old male patient who presented with chief complaints of cough with blood-tinged sputum, right-sided chest pain, dyspnea, and fever for two days. The patient gave a history of working as a mechanic in an automobile garage and reported an episode of accidental aspiration of diesel during diesel siphoning at the workplace. A chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest were done, which revealed right-sided lower lobe consolidation. The patient was admitted and started on intravenous antibiotics, corticosteroids, and inhaled bronchodilators, along with oxygen support. A bronchoscopy was done, which revealed the presence of thick mucoid secretions in the right lower lobe bronchus. The patient was discharged after 10 days with stable vitals and was advised to have regular follow-ups to monitor for any long-term pulmonary complications.

Keywords: bronchoalveolar lavage; bronchoscopy; chemical pneumonitis; computed tomography; lipoid pneumonia.

Figure 1. Chest X-ray posteroanterior view showing haziness in the right lower zone (red arrow)

Figure 2. Computerized tomography scan of the chest; axial view, showing the presence of airspace consolidation in the right middle lobe with air bronchogram suggestive of right-sided pneumonia (red arrow)

Figure 3. Computerized tomography scan of the chest; coronal view, showing the presence of consolidation in the right middle and lower lobe (red arrow)