Metal Fume Fever: A case report

ABSTRACT

Metal fume fever is a relatively uncommon presentation at the emergency department. It is an acute self-limited illness induced most commonly by inhalation of zinc-oxide fumes. However, it is often misdiagnosed as a viral illness because its symptoms resemble a number of pulmonary illnesses. We report the case of a 37-year-old male presenting with metal fume fever. The literature is reviewed with respect to the toxicopathophysiology, clinical presenting symptom complex, and emergency department management of metal fume fever.