A case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia: Diesel aspiration pneumonitis

Abstract

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia including diesel aspiration pneumonia is a challenging scenario for the physician view varied clinical presentation and no existing treatment guidelines. Clinico-radiological profiling remains the key toward early diagnosis of the condition. We present a case of a 32-year-old car mechanic presenting post accidental aspiration of diesel vehicle while siphoning air from the fuel pipe, a common practice in Indian subcontinent; highlighting the clinical and radiological presentation and therapeutic outcomes of corticosteroids in this case. The case reemphasizes the role of good clinical history, efficient physical examination, early management, and specific radiological evaluation toward management of this entity.