Acute respiratory distress associated with inhaled hydrocarbon.

Background: Pneumonitis is a well-known complication following aspiration of ingested liquid hydrocarbons. There are few data about acute pulmonary toxicity from unintentional hydrocarbon inhalation; most human cases involve products containing a fluoropolymer in combination with hydrocarbons.

Methods: Case report of a 45-year-old male who presented with respiratory distress after a 15-min inhalational exposure to a canvas waterproofing spray containing liquefied petroleum gas, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and isopropanol.

Results: Patients had symptoms, exam findings, and chest X-ray that were consistent with an acute pneumonitis.

Conclusion: Acute pulmonary injury can occur after a short exposure to an inhaled hydrocarbon and associated symptoms appear to respond to supportive measures, including oxygen, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators.