Lung Necrosis After Paraffin Aspiration.

Abstract

Background: Fire breather´s lung is a rare condition that occurs after hydrocarbon aspiration. Case reports published experienced a good clinical outcome with conservative treatment. To our knowledge, there are no reported cases treated with pulmonary resection.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 35-year-old female trapeze artist, who suffered an accidental ingestion/ aspiration of liquid paraffin. Persistent fever and elevated inflammatory markers without clinical improvement with antibiotics and bronchoscopy was seen. Computed tomography scan showing middle lobe necrosis and abscess motivated a middle lobectomy for infection control. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Conclusion: There are some cases described in the literature, normally with a favourable evolution with conservative treatment. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge that, in patients where serious complications have arisen, despite medical therapy, surgery may have an important role, and resection of the necrotic lung may prevent its potential life-threatening consequences.