Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases (대한결핵및호흡기학회)
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A Case of Occupational Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Associated with Trichloroethylene

  • Jae, Young (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Hwang, Eu Dong (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Leem, Ah Young (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kang, Beo Deul (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Chang, Soo Yun (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Ho Keun (Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Park, In Kyu (Department of Thoracic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Song Yee (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Eun Young (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Jung, Ji Ye (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kang, Young Ae (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Park, Moo Suk (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Young Sam (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Se Kyu (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Chang, Joon (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Chung, Kyung Soo (Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2013.08.13
  • Accepted : 2013.09.23
  • Published : 2014.02.28
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Abstract

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a toxic chemical commonly used as a degreasing agent, and it is usually found in a colorless or blue liquid form. TCE has a sweet, chloroform-like odor, and this volatile chlorinated organic chemical can cause toxic hepatitis, neurophysiological disorders, skin disorders, and hypersensitivity syndromes. However, the hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) attributed to TCE has rarely been reported. We hereby describe a case of HP associated with TCE in a 29-year-old man who was employed as a lead welder at a computer repair center. He was installing the capacitors on computer chip boards and had been wiped down with TCE. He was admitted to our hospital with complaints of dry coughs, night sweats, and weight losses for the past two months. HP due to TCE exposure was being suspected due to his occupational history, and the results of a video-associated thoracoscopic biopsy confirmed the suspicions. Symptoms have resolved after the steroid pulse therapy and his occupational change. TCE should be taken into consideration as a potential trigger of HP. Early recognition and avoidance of the TCE exposure in the future is important for the treatment of TCE induced HP.

Keywords

References

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