Case Report: Cold thermal injury and syncope from pressurized dust cleaning spray

Abstract

Here we present the case of a 21-year -old patient who huffed pressurized dust cleaning spray with subsequent syncope and cold thermal injury to her hands. Air spray cleaners contain halogenated gas, which serves as a propellent to blow dust from electrical and computer devices. The halogenated compound can cause euphoria and can be used as an inhaled abused substance. Use of such substances can be associated with syncope, sudden death, hypoxia and cold thermal injuries. Airway swelling has been reported. Orofacial and digital frostbite has been described as a clue to the detection of the use of such inhalants. An awareness of the association of halogenated gas with syncope and of the possibility of cold thermal injury can be very useful to the clinician.