Acute Pneumonitis after Subcutaneous Injections of Silicone in Transsexual Men

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Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane fluid (injectable silicone fluid) is widely used in breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures. This substance undergoes little or no change in physical properties as a function of temperature, low surface tension, or aging; this fact, combined with its minimal tissue reaction and lack of immunogenicity, explains the widespread use of silicone fluid for medical purposes. However, animal studies with subcutaneously injected medical-grade silicone have shown that it can subsequently be recovered in various organs.1 , 2 Bilateral silicone implants in one patient resulted in high fever, diffuse arthritis, renal failure, and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates.3 Illicit injections of silicone in human . . .