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Papers of the Week


2022 Jul 22


Acta Med Port

Pneumonitis Associated with Fluoropolymer Waterproofing Agents: Case Report.

Authors

Almeida Borges J, Fradinho F, Ferreira A J
Acta Med Port. 2022 Jul 22.
PMID: 35866983.

Abstract

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.