Ethylene imine poisoning. A case report.

A case is described of accidental inhalation of ethylene imine vapour in a chemical worker. This resulted in glottic oedema which required tracheostomy. Artificial respiration was needed because of failure to maintain adequate arterial oxygen levels. The patient developed profuse salivation and sputum production. Endoscopy showed that the mucosal surfaces of the pharynx, trachea and major bronchi were destroyed. The patient was treated with steroids and antibiotics for pulmonary infection. Recovery was slow but he was eventually able to leave hospital. He was later readmitted with recurrent infection and developed acute airway obstruction from which he died. Post-mortem examination shoed extensive destruction of the mucosal lining with erosion and collapse of the cartilages. This was the cause of death. Previous reports of ethylene imine poisoning are reviewed. This appears to be the third fatal case.