Pulmonary parenchymal involvement secondary to subcutaneous injection of silicone gels: a case report

Pulmonary parenchymal involvement secondary to the subcutaneous injection of silicone gels is an unusual condition which occurs more frequently in women aged between 22 and 55 years. Although different theories have been put forward about its etiology, it is unknown and the condition may cause local...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Valle Farfán, Renzo Steffano, Palacios Ordoñez, Enver Vantroi, Lozano Rodas, Ysabel, Valle Farfán, Stefano Alessandro
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:Perú
Institución:Universidad de San Martín de Porres
Repositorio:Horizonte médico
Idioma:español
OAI Identifier:oai:horizontemedico.usmp.edu.pe:article/2101
Acceso en línea:https://horizontemedico.usmp.edu.pe/index.php/horizontemed/article/view/2101
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:pulmón
insuficiencia respiratoria
geles de silicona
lung
respiratory insufficiency
silicone gels
Descripción
Sumario:Pulmonary parenchymal involvement secondary to the subcutaneous injection of silicone gels is an unusual condition which occurs more frequently in women aged between 22 and 55 years. Although different theories have been put forward about its etiology, it is unknown and the condition may cause local and systemic complications and even have a fatal outcome. Few cases have been reported in South America and there is no report of this unique entity in Peru. We present the case of a previously healthy 28-year-old male transgender patient who, after an illegal subcutaneous injection of silicone gels in the gluteal region given by a non-healthcare professional, showed progressive respiratory distress and stabbing chest pain of approximately 7 out of 10 on the pain scale within the first 24 hours. Upon admission to the emergency room,respiratory failure was objectively evidenced since the patient had an oxygen saturation of 72 % at a FiO₂ of 21 %, as well as pulmonary parenchymal involvement both in the CT scan and chest X-ray with signs highly suggestive of this pathology. Using a SARS-CoV-2 RNA real-time RT-PCR test performed on a respiratory specimen, COVID pneumonia, immunodeficiency disorders and pulmonary embolism were ruled out. Since there is no standard treatment, the patientwas given relevant support measures such as the administration of supplemental oxygen at a low flow rate by binasal cannula, intravenous systemic corticosteroids and antibiotic therapy, thus achieving good progress with resolution of the initial clinical presentation. Then, after 10 days of intrahospital treatment, the patient was discharged.