Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonia

Abstract

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is an uncommon condition resulting from aspirating or inhaling fatlike material, such as mineral oil found in laxatives and various aerosolized industrial materials. These substances elicit a foreign body reaction and proliferative fibrosis in the lung. Because symptoms are absent or nonspecific and the roentgenographic findings simulate other diseases, exogenous lipoid pneumonia is often unrecognized. Yet, appropriate historical inquiries and simple laboratory tests can lead to the correct diagnosis, removal of the offending agent, and, potentially, improvement in lung function before serious complications develop.

Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonia Following Ingestion of Liquid Paraffin.

“…Histological examination revealed the presence of lipidladen macrophages, and histochemical lipid staining was useful to differentiate the type of lipids phagocytosed by this patient's AMs (1,5). The results revealed the presence of two types of lipids in the AMs; one was a dominant neutral lipid and the other was a phospholipid.…”

“…Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) is a rare condition resulting from aspiration or inhalation of oil-based substances ( 1). Aspiration of liquid paraffin (liquid petrolatum) used for the treatment of constipation or intranasal instillation of liquid paraffin as a component of nasal drop or petroleum jelly such as Vaseline or Mentholatum for relief of sinus congestion is the common cause of ELP (2)(3)(4).…”

Pneumonia lipoide secundária ao uso prolongado de óleo de prímula

“…(6) Lipoid pneumonia is often triggered by risk factors such as gastrointestinal diseases, psychiatric diseases, and loss of consciousness or neurological diseases that affect the swallowing process or the cough reflex. (7) The patient in the case reported here was diagnosed with GERD, and, clinically, her only complaint was chronic cough. In patients with normal chest X-rays, GERD is the third leading cause of chronic cough, with a prevalence ranging from 21% to 41%.…”

“…Less commonly, lipoid pneumonia patients have chest pain, hemoptysis, weight loss, and intermittent fever. (7) The clinical profile can be similar to that of bacterial pneumonia, with episodes of fever and cough. (5) In general, what happens is a discrepancy between the clinical findings and the radiological findings.…”

“…(9) When lipid herbal remedies are ingested, they remain supernatant within the stomach. (7) According to the reflux theory, the lipid particles would ascend and be preferably directed toward the lower airways. Since mineral oil and similar substances inhibit the cough reflex, as well as the mucociliary transport function of the epithelium, course of ciprofloxacin, and, as previously stated, the patient remained symptomatic.…”