BILATERAL EMPYEMA FOLLOWING KEROSENE POISONING - A CASE REPORT

Kerosene is a highly volatile hydrocarbon with aspiration hazard. The toxic effects following ingestion or inhalation are predominantly related to the direct pulmonary damage and subsequent inflammation, resulting in chemical pneumonitis. Successful management of hydrocarbon aspiration requires recognition of pulmonary toxicity and rapid initiation of appropriate supportive care. Empyema following kerosene poisoning is very rare. We report a case of bilateral empyema following kerosene ingestion in a 16 year old girl from South India.