Biomaterial Database

[Pulmonary edema and pericarditis after inhalation of Teflon fumes]. 1989

H Haugtomt, and J Haerem

Inhalation of fumes from pyrolysis of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) is known to cause polymer fume fever, a mild syndrome of influenza-like symptoms of short duration. Occasionally more severe reactions occur. Several cases of pulmonary edema have been reported, only one of which was fatal. We report a case history of pulmonary edema and pericarditis following inhalation of fumes from grinding a Teflon coated surface. Pericarditis has not been reported previously in connection with polymer fume reactions. We discuss various aspects of such reactions, with reference to the case and to selected literature.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D010493	Pericarditis	Inflammation of the PERICARDIUM from various origins, such as infection, neoplasm, autoimmune process, injuries, or drug-induced. Pericarditis usually leads to PERICARDIAL EFFUSION, or CONSTRICTIVE PERICARDITIS.	Pleuropericarditis
D011138	Polytetrafluoroethylene	Homopolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. Nonflammable, tough, inert plastic tubing or sheeting; used to line vessels, insulate, protect or lubricate apparatus; also as filter, coating for surgical implants or as prosthetic material. Synonyms: Fluoroflex; Fluoroplast; Ftoroplast; Halon; Polyfene; PTFE; Tetron.	FEP,Fluon,Politef,Polytef,TFE,Teflon,Expanded PTFE,Fluoroplast,GORE-TEX,Goretex,PTFE,Tarflen,GORE TEX,PTFE, Expanded
D011654	Pulmonary Edema	Excessive accumulation of extravascular fluid in the lung, an indication of a serious underlying disease or disorder. Pulmonary edema prevents efficient PULMONARY GAS EXCHANGE in the PULMONARY ALVEOLI, and can be life-threatening.	Wet Lung,Edema, Pulmonary,Edemas, Pulmonary,Pulmonary Edemas,Lung, Wet,Lungs, Wet,Wet Lungs
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D000393	Air Pollutants	Any substance in the air which could, if present in high enough concentration, harm humans, animals, vegetation or materials. Substances include GASES; PARTICULATE MATTER; and volatile ORGANIC CHEMICALS.	Air Pollutant,Air Pollutants, Environmental,Environmental Air Pollutants,Environmental Pollutants, Air,Air Environmental Pollutants,Pollutant, Air,Pollutants, Air,Pollutants, Air Environmental,Pollutants, Environmental Air