Pneumonitis Associated with Fluoropolymer Waterproofing Agents: Case Report

Pneumonitis associated with fluoropolymer waterproofing agents, an entity with few reported cases, can result from occupational exposure. This condition has a rapid onset after exposure, usually resolves with supportive treatment but there could be chronic sequelae. The authors report the case of a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Joana Almeida Borges, Fátima Fradinho, António Jorge Ferreira
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ordem dos Médicos 2022-07-01
Series:Acta Médica Portuguesa
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/17786
Description
Summary:Pneumonitis associated with fluoropolymer waterproofing agents, an entity with few reported cases, can result from occupational exposure. This condition has a rapid onset after exposure, usually resolves with supportive treatment but there could be chronic sequelae. The authors report the case of a 48-year-old male patient admitted to hospital with acute onset of dyspnea and chest pain after using an aerosolized fluoropolymer-containing waterproofing product. He presented tachypnea, leukocytosis, elevated C reactive protein, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and hypoxemic respiratory failure. Chest computed tomography revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities with peribronchovascular distribution. The patient was treated with oxygen and corticosteroid therapy, with clinical improvement. This chemical pneumonitis represents a diagnostic challenge since it implies a history of exposure to toxic agents and the pathophysiological mechanisms and safe exposure limits are still unknown.
ISSN:0870-399X
1646-0758