Ahmet YURTTAŞ, Deniz ÇELİK, Hüseyin LAKADAMYALI, Özkan YETKİN
Eurasian Journal of Pulmonology - 2026;28(3):213-219
Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is a rare but serious respiratory condition caused by inhalation or aspiration of lipid-based substances. It often presents with nonspecific symptoms, such as cough, dyspnea, and fever, which can mimic infectious pneumonia and lead to diagnostic delays. Radiological imaging typically reveals ground-glass opacities, consolidations, or nodular lesions, particularly in the lower and middle lobes. Diagnosis is supported by a clinical history of exposure to specific oils or solvents, and confirmation often requires bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrating lipid-laden macrophages. Management includes cessation of exposure, supportive care, corticosteroids in selected cases, and treatment of secondary infections. This case series highlights three distinct clinical presentations of exogenous lipoid pneumonia-two involving fire-breathers and one related to occupational solvent exposure-emphasizing the importance of early recognition and tailored therapeutic strategies to prevent long-term complications.
