LIPOID PNEUMONIA IN A VETERANS HOSPITAL

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Abstract
Six hundred consecutive autopsies yielded 14 cases of lipoid pneumonia. In 8 it was of a marked degree and in 6 it was a principal factor in a pulmonary death. The case studies revealed the expected association with chronic disability. Definite progression of the pneumonia occurred in several cases months after mineral oil was discontinued. The disease was not recognized clinically and proved much more extensive than the pulmonary disability would suggest. It was felt that the likely source of inhalation was by means of regurgitation of the bland, hypobaric material, this process being aided by the negative pressure in the esophagus. It must be assumed that there are individual variations in the degree of fibrous tissue reaction which may develop in the lungs. In some cases the oil is resident in the lungs for long periods before significant tissue reactions appear. Oral use of mineral oil is for from harmless.

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