Bronchial damage and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage following chlorine gas inhalation: A case report

Uemura,Kosuke; Isono,Momoko; Kagohashi,Katsunori; Hasegawa,Ryuichi; Satoh,Hiroaki

doi:10.3892/etm.2017.5161

Bronchial damage and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage following chlorine gas inhalation: A case report

Authors:
- Kosuke Uemura
- Momoko Isono
- Katsunori Kagohashi
- Ryuichi Hasegawa
- Hiroaki Satoh
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Affiliations: Division of General Medicine, Mito Medical Center, University of Tsukuba, Mito, Ibaraki 310‑0015, Japan, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Mito Medical Center, University of Tsukuba, Mito, Ibaraki 310‑0015, Japan, Division of Intensive Care Medicine, Mito Medical Center, University of Tsukuba, Mito, Ibaraki 310‑0015, Japan
Published online on: September 21, 2017 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.5161
Pages: 5126-5128

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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.

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