A case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia.

Lipoid pneumonia is an unusual form of pneumonitis. It is categorized as either exogenous or endogenous, depending on the lipid source. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, with clues provided by history and characteristic radiographic findings. Evaluation of samples obtained via bronchoscopy can confirm the diagnosis with oil red O staining, without requiring surgical biopsy. We report a case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia that resolved with conservative management. No clear synthetic source, such as mineral oil or petroleum jelly use, was identified, despite a thorough history. However, years of episodic dyspnea preceded by nausea and vomiting resolved with surgical repair of a large hiatal hernia suggest aspiration of food as the exogenous lipid source.