Exogenous lipoid pneumonia mimicking multifocal subpleural tumors

Abstract

Introduction Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) is caused by inhalation or aspiration of different oily substances of animal, vegetable, or mineral origin. It can be in acute or chronic form. Herein, we report a case of ELP in its chronic form, confirmed in surgical lung biopsy.

Case outline A 47-year-old male locomotive engineer, former smoker, without clinical symptoms, with a history of pneumonia two years previously, was referred to our institution. The operating diagnosis of multifocal subpleural tumors was made based on the chest computed tomography. A surgical lung biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of ELP.

Conclusion Diagnosis of ELP is frequently made after surgical biopsy performed for suspected neoplasm, because of neglecting profesional exposure to mineral oils.

Keywords: exogenous lipoid pneumonia; machine oil; surgical biopsy