Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonia Presenting as an Enlarging Lung Nodule in a Patient with a Long-standing Usage of Petroleum Jelly

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Lipoid pneumonia is an uncommon inflammatory lung lesion resulting from the aspiration of endogenous or exogenous oily substances. It has no age or sex preponderance, and its mode of presentation is non- specific. Radiologic imaging findings may mimic that of a malignant lung lesion. Methods We report a case of a 69-year-old female with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis and a 30-pack year smoking. She was being followed for an enlarging PET positive spiculated left upper lung nodule. She underwent a CT-guided core biopsy of the lung nodule. Results Biopsy showed histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with lipid vacuoles and associated marked fibrosis. Review of a percutaneous lung biopsy performed two years prior showed a chronic inflammatory process with associated fibrosis in the presence of nonpolarizable vacuoles, many of which were intracytoplasmic within multinucleate foreign body type giant cells. A re-assessment of the patient with further history taking revealed a longstanding practice of nighttime application of petroleum jelly to nostrils and lips. Together, these findings are consistent with an exogenous lipoid pneumonia. Conclusion Lipoid pneumonia although an entity with limited literature description, should be considered in patients presenting with enlarging lung nodules. Early diagnosis of this lesion ensures appropriate treatment and prevents unnecessary invasive procedures.