radiological manifestations of childhood lipoid pneumonia in Saudi Arabia: literature review and report of two new cases

ABSTRACT

Two cases of lipoid pneumonia with a positive history of fat aspiration were described. Plain films showed multilobar persistent consolidation and air bronchogram. One case showed mass like lesion in right upper lobe. The diagnosis has been made with the help of clinical history and radiological findings. This was confirmed with lung biopsy in one case. Review of literature published from Saudi Arabia has been discussed. Lipoid pneumonia can result from aspiration of variety of materials including milk, mineral or vegetable oil, animal fat, and oily nasal drops. There is low incidence of lipoid pneumonia in pediatric age group in developed countries. However, in Saudi Arabia the condition continues to be a problem because of traditional practices of administration of oily substances to children in some areas of the kingdom in the believe that oil is good for blocked nose, irregular bowel habits and general well being. Sometimes, in fact, infants and children are forcibly fed such substances. The diagnosis of lipoid pneumonia is usually delayed unless parents are directly questioned about oil feeding practice. The condition is difficult to differentiate from infectious pneumonia both clinically and radiologically. The aim of this paper is to review the radiological findings in the reported cases of lipoid pneumonia in Saudi Arabia and to discuss the possible explanations of these findings with report of 2 new cases