Lipoid pneumonia secondary to long-term use of evening primrose oil

J Bras Pneumol. 2010 Sep-Oct;36(5):657-61. doi: 10.1590/s1806-37132010000500018.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Lipoid pneumonia is an underdiagnosed disease that is caused by the aspiration of lipid particles into the lungs. Although most of the reported cases have been associated with the use of mineral oil as a laxative, other lipid substances can also cause the disease. We report the case of a 50-year-old female patient with a complaint of productive cough who was initially diagnosed with bronchial hyperresponsiveness and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The patient was treated for GERD. Because the productive cough persisted, the patient underwent chest CT, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and open lung biopsy. She was diagnosed with lipoid pneumonia. The patient was questioned regarding the use of lipid substances, and she reported the chronic use of evening primrose oil. After the discontinuation of the substance and the maintenance of GERD treatment, her condition improved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chronic Disease
  • Ciprofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Constipation / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / diagnosis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mineral Oil / adverse effects*
  • Pneumonia, Lipid / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Lipid / etiology*
  • Pneumonia, Lipid / pathology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Mineral Oil