Citation

Uemura K, Isono M, Kagohashi K, Hasegawa R, Satoh H. Exp. Ther. Med. 2017; 14(5): 5126-5128.

Affiliation

Division of Respiratory Medicine, Mito Medical Center, University of Tsukuba, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0015, Japan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Spandidos Publications)

DOI

10.3892/etm.2017.5161

PMID

29201226

PMCID

PMC5704270

Abstract

Chlorine is a toxic inhalant and sources of exposure for individuals include accidental releases of chlorine vapor due to industrial or chemical transportation accidents. Inhalation of a large quantity of gas may cause circulatory and respiratory disorders or even mortality; however, the effects of a small amount of chlorine gas may be asymptomatic. The present case study presents a successfully treated 55-year-old male patient exposed to chlorine gas, resulting in bronchial damage and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Endobronchial and alveolar injuries were evaluated by direct observation using fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) and analyzing bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained by FB. Taking a precise medical history from the patient is crucial to correctly diagnose toxic gas inhalation. In addition, a timely and proper evaluation with chest imaging as well as FB may provide useful clinical information. Therefore, clinicians should consider performing FB if the circumstances permit.

Language: en

Keywords

bronchial damage; chlorine gas inhalation; diffuse alveolar hemorrhage