Eosinophilic Pneumonia Following Occupational Smoke Exposure

• Main Authors: Yogev Peri, Oshrat Tayer Shifman, Alon Hershko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SMC MEDIA SRL 2016-11-01
• Series: European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
• Subjects: acute eosinophilic pneumonia, occupational exposure, eosinophilia
• Online Access: http://ejcrim.com/index.php/EJCRIM/article/view/494

A 21-year-old male patient with a history of occupational exposure to open fire smoke was initially treated with empiric antibiotics for simple community-acquired pneumonia. However, he continued to deteriorate rapidly, developed respiratory failure and needed mechanical ventilation. After possible aetiologies were considered, acute eosinophilic pneumonia was suspected and confirmed by broncho-alveolar lavage. His condition improved dramatically soon after glucocorticoid administration and he was discharged without sequelae. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia should be considered in a patient with a history of exposure to smoke presenting with pneumonia that deteriorates rapidly despite broad antibiotics. An important clue for the diagnosis is eosinophilia in peripheral blood.