JIST

Abstract

Hydrocarbons are a group of organic substances made up of hydrogen and carbon molecules. Among the various groups of hydrocarbons, the commonly used fuels like petrol and diesel are classified under aliphatic hydrocarbons. Diesel is fuel for engines in automobiles and for electricity generators.

We present a case of a 55-year-old male, an auto driver by occupation who accidentally ingested diesel and got admitted to GGH, Nizamabad. He developed aspiration pneumonia and expired, following which an autopsy was conducted in this case. In this case, viscera were preserved for chemical analysis & lungs were preserved for histopathological examination. The chemical analysis of viscera revealed traces of inflammable hydrocarbons and on histopathological examination of the lungs indicated aspiration pneumonia. On HPE of the lungs, it was observed that there was intra-alveolar serous accumulation and lymphomono nuclear inflammatory cell infiltrates. Additionally, the alveolar septa showed thickening and congestion, indicating the presence of aspiration pneumonia.

Hydrocarbon exposure leads to a spectrum of manifestations like pneumonitis, myocarditis, skin lesions, mediastinitis, and Parkinson's disease. Diesel is considered to have a relatively low aspiration potential compared to other substances, and fatal cases of diesel poisoning due to aspiration are uncommon.

In cases of chemical pneumonitis caused by hydrocarbon poisoning, the respiratory rate serves as a crucial prognostic factor for determining mortality. A high respiratory rate at the time of presentation is associated with poor outcomes and an increased risk of fatality. The development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is the ultimate pathway of toxicity in these cases, as observed during autopsy examinations.