Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia following nitric acid fume exposure

Abstract

We describe a patient with clinical, radiological and pathological features of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia. Investigation showed that this was likely to have been a delayed consequence of inhalation of nitric acid fumes (containing nitrogen dioxide) after a fire. This case shows that thorough investigation of the aetiology is important not only in clinical management but also in ensuring patients benefit from appropriate work injury compensation. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved.