Eosinophilic Pneumonia Following Occupational Smoke Exposure

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• acute eosinophilic pneumonia, occupational exposure, eosinophilia