Abstract
Fire-eaters use kerdan, a petroleum-derivative, during their performances. Its accidental inhalation produces respiratory symptoms known as fire-eater's lung. We report 8 cases of fire-eater's lung and compare their clinical and radiologic data and outcome with those of 44 cases from the French and English-language literature. Presentation is highly characteristic: i) occurrence in young inexperienced subjects; ii) immediate phase characterized by coughing and digestive symptoms; iii) after a latency period, pseudoinfectious lung disease frequently associated with extra-respiratory symptoms, usually digestive; iv) generally favorable clinical and radiological outcome, rarely complicated by pneumatocele or pneumothorax. Diagnosis of fire-eater's lung is based on history-taking and characteristic clinical and radiological presentation. Treatment is symptomatic. Prevention relies on educational campaigns about the risks of fire-eating.
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