Illustrative CasesTurpentine Oil Inhalation Leading to Lung Necrosis and Empyema in a ToddlerKhan, Awais J. MBBS, MRCP; Akhtar, Raja P. MBBS, FRCS; Faruqui, Zia S. MBBS, FRCR Author Information Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Awais J. Khan, Flat 37, Pearson Rd, Ipswich IP3 8NL, England. E-mail: [email protected]. Pediatric Emergency Care 22(5):p 355-357, May 2006. | DOI: 10.1097/01.pec.0000215371.48859.fd Buy Metrics Abstract Household poisons can cause serious damage to the health of children. Turpentine oil, used chiefly as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and waxes; is often placed within easy reach of children during polishing or painting work. It is capable of causing serious toxicity, whether ingested or inhaled. Pulmonary aspiration can lead to lung parenchymal damage and turpentine-associated pneumonia. We report a case of exploratory ingestion and inhalation of turpentine oil in an 18-month-old boy, leading to extensive lung parenchymal damage, formation of multiple abscess cavities, and necrosis treated with decortication and segmental resection. © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
