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

• Published in: Experimental and therapeutic medicine Vol. 14; no. 5; pp. 5126 - 5128
• Main Authors: 籠橋 克紀, 長谷川 隆一, 佐藤 浩昭, Uemura Kosuke, Isono Momoko, Kagohashi Katsunori, Hasegawa Ryuichi, Satoh Hiroaki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Greece Spandidos Publications 01.11.2017; D.A. Spandidos; Spandidos Publications UK Ltd
• Subjects: Airway management; bronchial damage; Bronchial diseases; Care and treatment; Case reports; Case studies; Chlorine; chlorine gas inhalation; Chlorine oxides; Complications and side effects; Diagnosis; diffuse alveolar hemorrhage; Dyspnea; Edema; Health aspects; Heart attacks; Hemorrhage; Hyperglycemia; Lungs; Mortality; Patients; Risk factors; diffuse alveolar hemorrhage; chlorine gas inhalation; bronchial damage
• ISSN: 1792-0981; 1792-1015
• DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5161

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.