Lipoid pneumonia complicating megaesophagus secondary to Chagas disease: high-resolution computed tomography findings.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in patients with exogenous lipoid pneumonia after mineral oil aspiration, in association with chagasic megaesophagus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 6 patients aged from 63 to 88 years (mean age, 74.5 y). The inclusion criteria were an abnormal HRCT, a history of aspirating mineral oil, the presence of intrapulmonary lipids in bronchoalveolar lavage, and the presence of megaesophagus with a diagnosis of Chagas disease.

RESULTS

Primary HRCT findings included airspace consolidation with air bronchograms (n=4) and a crazy-paving pattern (n=2), predominating bilaterally in the posterior and lower regions of the lungs and associated with esophageal dilatation.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of lipoid pneumonia should be considered in chagasic patients with megaesophagus and a history of aspirating mineral oil, presenting with parenchymal consolidations or crazy-paving pattern in HRCT.