Cryogenic dermal injuries to the chest secondary to inhalational abuse of keyboard cleaner

doi:10.1080/15563650.2017.1408813

Paper

Cryogenic dermal injuries to the chest secondary to inhalational abuse of keyboard cleaner

Published Jul 1, 2018 · DOI · M. Punja, D. B. Langston, Maurice W. Smith

Clinical Toxicology

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Abstract

A 27-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with the unusual finding of cryogenic injuries to the chest wall after being found by family in the act of inhaling a can of Ultra Duster Industrial Strength Compressed Air Keyboard Cleaner. The patient admitted to inhalational binge abuse and had emptied at least six cans of this product over the past three days. His initial vitals showed a blood pressure of 140/117, a heart rate of 123 and a respiratory rate of 26 with pulse oximetry reading 96% on room air. His ECG was remarkable only for sinus tachycardia. A chest radiograph showed right basilar atelectasis. He was alert and awake with clear lungs and mild tachypnea. Examination of the sub-xiphoid chest wall revealed loss of hair and irregular, shallow slightly tender ulcerations with multiple surrounding erythematous annular patches (Figure 1). Diagnosis: Cryogenic dermal injury secondary to inhalational abuse of compressed air containing 1,1-difluoroethane.

Case Report

Study Snapshot

Inhalational abuse of keyboard cleaner can cause cryogenic dermal injuries to the chest wall, causing loss of hair and tender ulcerations.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Cryogenic dermal injuries to the chest secondary to inhalational abuse of keyboard cleaner

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