An interesting thinner intoxication case: Intrathoracic injection

Abstract

Thinners, including aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, xylene, and N-hexane, are widely used in industry for the production of plastics, varnish, paint, and glue. Use of these toxic agents frequently leads to chronic intoxication caused by abuse or misuse of solvents, which are usually taken in through inhalation. Thinners may have neurotoxic, myotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and cardiotoxic systemic effects. The patient described in this report attempted to commit suicide by injecting 10 cc thinner into the left hemithorax. Acute chemical empyema developed at the left hemithorax. No bacterial growth was noted in empyema liquid and blood samples. Empyema was treated with tube thoracostomy, and full remission was observed after 33 d. No systemic toxic signs were noted, other than a low level of hepatotoxicity. Although pleural effusion, atelectasis, and pleural thickening were observed at the acute phase on computed tomography (CT) of the thorax, only pleural thickening persisted on CT of the thorax after 1 y. Investigators could not find a documented case of parenteral use of thinners in the medical literature.

Descending Necrotising Mediastinitis Due to Thinner Injection in a Suicide Attempt: Case Report

“…In another case, following injection of thinner into the pleural space, acute chemical empyema developed at the left hemithorax and it was treated with tube thoracotomy. 6 Likewise, in our case there was no bacterial growth according to the early culture results and antibiogram.…”

Neuropsychological Symptoms among Workers Exposed to Toluene and Xylene in Two Paint Manufacturing Factories in Eastern Thailand

“…Manufacturers in developing countries have widely used solvents as raw material in different productions, such as plastic, coating, paint, and glue [ 1 – 3 ]. Although nowadays water-based paints are preferred, rather than solvent-based paints [ 4 ], solvents are still used in the manufacture of specialty paints.…”

An Unusual Suicidal Attempt with Injection of Thinner into The Left Arm Presenting with Severe Soft Tissue Infection: A Case Report

“…Intense inflammatory reactions may progress to local necrosis and a chemical abscess. With the subcutaneous injection of paint thinners, inflammation, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, compartment syndrome, liquefactive necrosis, and abscess formation (microbial or sterile) following cellulitis have been reported (2,7,8).Our presented case was characterized by fever, extensive inflam-mation, and edema in the left arm that resulted in abscess formation. The patient had a history of a single injection.…”