Rare Case of Diffuse Skeletal Fluorosis due to Inhalant Abuse of Difluoroethane
Presentation Date
19-10-2021 9:00 AM
End Date
19-10-2021 3:00 PM
Description
Case: We present a rare case of diffuse skeletal fluorosis in a 56-year-old man with a history of inhalation and topical abuse of aerosolized dust cleaner containing difluoroethane as well as prior industrial exposure to chlorofluorocarbon-rich organic solvent cleaners. This patient had diffuse osteosclerotic bone disease on radiographs that elicited concern for a potentially aggressive physiologic or pathologic process, until increased fluoremia was identified as the cause. Management was conservative with removal of the causative agent.
Conclusion: Skeletal fluorosis is an osteosclerotic bone disease caused by excessive ingestion of fluoride. Although this pathology is endemic in some parts of the world, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients with characteristic radiographic findings and history of inhalant abuse. Chronic exposure to CFC-rich products should also be considered.
Recommended Citation
Leonovicz, Olivia G.; Suwak, Patrik; Van Dyke, J Chandler; Robin, Kaleb J.; and Cable, Matthew G., "Rare Case of Diffuse Skeletal Fluorosis due to Inhalant Abuse of Difluoroethane" (2021). Medical Student Research Poster Symposium. 68.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/sommrd/2021MRD/Posters/68
Rare Case of Diffuse Skeletal Fluorosis due to Inhalant Abuse of Difluoroethane
Case: We present a rare case of diffuse skeletal fluorosis in a 56-year-old man with a history of inhalation and topical abuse of aerosolized dust cleaner containing difluoroethane as well as prior industrial exposure to chlorofluorocarbon-rich organic solvent cleaners. This patient had diffuse osteosclerotic bone disease on radiographs that elicited concern for a potentially aggressive physiologic or pathologic process, until increased fluoremia was identified as the cause. Management was conservative with removal of the causative agent.
Conclusion: Skeletal fluorosis is an osteosclerotic bone disease caused by excessive ingestion of fluoride. Although this pathology is endemic in some parts of the world, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients with characteristic radiographic findings and history of inhalant abuse. Chronic exposure to CFC-rich products should also be considered.
Comments
Mentor: Matthew Cable, MD LSUHSC, Department of Orthopaedics