Treatment of hydrocarbon pneumonitis. High frequency jet ventilation as an alternative to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

A child presented with hydrocarbon ingestion leading to pneumonitis and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Treatment with conventional ventilation in this child led to very high pressures and pulmonary air leaks. Treatment with high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) resulted in less barotrauma, resolution of air leak, and clinical improvement. Thus, HFJV is an acceptable alternative to both conventional ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the treatment of hydrocarbon pneumonitis leading to ARDS.