Imaging changes of oil aspiration over time in children: a case series

Abstract Background Oil aspiration pneumonia is an uncommon form of lung disease due to aspiration or inhalation of oil-containing products. The present study reports the changes process of radiological findings over time in four children. Case presentation For 2 years, four cases (17 months until 3.5 years) with aspiration oil-containing (petroleum or benzene) products were referred to a tertiary center, Akbar Children’s Hospital, Mashhad Medical University of Science. They presented with respiratory distress and fever. The radiography, low-dose CT scan, and ultrasound findings were evaluated. Assessment of serial imaging findings in our patients shows decreased volume, ground glass opacity, and septal thickening in the lower lobes of the lungs are a predominant pattern in the first and second days. Consolidation and nodular opacity appear after 48 h. In the second week, the nodular pattern (fluid-filled pneumatoceles) is the main pattern and persists for 1 month. CT scan images showed that opaque nodules are actually fluid-filled pneumatoceles. Finally, air-filled pneumatoceles gradually appeared from the third week and disappeared in 6–8 months. Conclusion Our results show that four radiological phases of oil pneumonia, including ground glass opacities, segmental consolidation, fluid-filled pneumatoceles (nodule), and finally air-filled pneumatoceles, could be seen in radiography, CT scan, and ultrasound.