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Lee, Choi, Kim, Kim, Park, Jung, Kim, and Lee: A Case of Acute Lung Injury Caused by Tetrafluoroethylene Inhalation
Case Report
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2007; 62(3): 223-226.

Published online: 31 March 2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2007.62.3.223

A Case of Acute Lung Injury Caused by Tetrafluoroethylene Inhalation

Su Ok Lee, M.D., Eun Jung Choi, M.D., Ka Young Kim, M.D., Jun Chul Kim, M.D., Jung Chul Park, M.D., Chi Young Jung, M.D., Yeon Jae Kim, M.D., Byung Ki Lee, M.D.

Department of Internal Medicine, Fatima Hospital, Daegu, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Byung Ki Lee, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Fatima Hospital, 576-31 Sinam-dong, Dong-gu, Taegu, 701-010, Korea. Phone: 82-53-940-7452, Fax: 82-53-954-7417, leebk1@fatima.or.kr

Received 26 October 2006       Accepted 2 March 2007

Copyright © 2007 The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Abstract

Tetrafluoroethylene is a colorless gas that can be used to synthesize a variety of fluoride compounds by polymerization (e.g., Teflon). Fluoride compounds have many applications in industry. There are several reports of inhalation injury from the pyrolytic product of fluoride compounds. When the polymer is heated under the conditions of inadequate ventilation, the fumes can cause polymer fume fever or pulmonary edema which manifested as symptoms such as fever, chill, profuse sweating, cough and dyspnea. However there are no reports of a direct lung injury caused by tetrafluoroethylene.
We report a case of a 27-year-old male presented with acute lung injury after inhaling concentrated tetrafluoroethylene. He complained of cough and dyspnea after the accidental inhalation of tetrfluoroethylene at his workplace. The symptoms improved without any complications after conservative treatment with oxygen and steroid.

Keywords: Tetrafluoroethylene, Lung injury, Pulmonary edema

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Chest roenterogram. Diffuse bilateral lobular or confluent infiltrates on admission (A). 3 days later, complete resolution of lung lesion (B).
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Figure 2
Finding of high resolution chest CT scan. Diffuse bilateral ground glass opacity on admission (A). 7 admission days, complete resolution of lung lesion (B).
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Table 1
Changes of arterial blood gas analysis
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