Yang Kai-Ying, Cui Zhi-Xin
Department of Critical Care Medicine, Panyu Hexian Memorial Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511400, Guangdong Province, China.
World J Radiol. 2024 Nov 28;16(11):689-695. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v16.i11.689.
This case report emphasizes the potential pulmonary toxicity of demulsifier gas, which is a widely used chemical. To our knowledge, this is the first documented instance of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by inhalation of demulsifier gas. This report underscores the need for increased workplace safety and awareness regarding health risks associated with demulsifiers, particularly in industrial settings. Timely diagnosis and management of ARDS are crucial for improving patient outcomes, thus making this report significant for clinical practice and occupational health literature.
We present a rare case of acute demulsifier poisoning leading to ARDS in a previously healthy 69-year-old man. He presented with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and dyspnea following a 30-minute exposure to demulsifier fumes in a poorly ventilated area. Chest computed tomography revealed bilateral diffuse infiltrative shadows. Based on his exposure history and clinical findings, a diagnosis of ARDS due to demulsifier poisoning was confirmed. The patient required high-flow oxygen and intravenous norepinephrine upon admission and was subsequently intubated for mechanical ventilation. Following timely and effective multidisciplinary treatment interventions including emergency care, intensive care, and respiratory medicine, he achieved positive outcomes and was ultimately discharged.
This case underscores the critical importance of recognizing chemical exposure risks and their potential to cause severe respiratory complications.
本病例报告强调了破乳剂气体的潜在肺毒性，破乳剂气体是一种广泛使用的化学品。据我们所知，这是首例有记录的因吸入破乳剂气体导致急性呼吸窘迫综合征（ARDS）的病例。本报告强调了提高工作场所安全性以及对与破乳剂相关的健康风险的认识的必要性，尤其是在工业环境中。及时诊断和管理ARDS对于改善患者预后至关重要，因此本报告对临床实践和职业健康文献具有重要意义。
我们报告一例罕见的急性破乳剂中毒病例，导致一名69岁既往健康男性发生ARDS。他在通风不良的区域接触破乳剂烟雾30分钟后，出现胸部不适、呼吸急促和呼吸困难。胸部计算机断层扫描显示双侧弥漫性浸润阴影。根据他的接触史和临床发现，确诊为破乳剂中毒所致ARDS。患者入院时需要高流量氧气和静脉注射去甲肾上腺素，随后进行气管插管以进行机械通气。经过包括急诊、重症监护和呼吸内科在内的及时有效的多学科治疗干预后，他取得了良好的效果并最终出院。
本病例强调了认识化学物质接触风险及其导致严重呼吸并发症的可能性的至关重要性。
