Solvent abuse associated pulmonary abnormalities.

Organic solvent inhalation leading to intoxication has become an important medical problem. Pulmonary function studies were performed on 42 young (ages 11-31) solvent inhalers and on 20 controls (ages 10-26). Ventilatory studies were normal in the majority, but residual volumes of inhalers were significantly higher (136.26% +/- 32.64% S.C.) than in controls (104% +/- 27.78% S.C.)--p less than 0.001. Lung tissue obtained at autopsy, from three known solvent inhalers was found to contain microscopic abnormalities similar to those seen in experimental panlobular emphysema and it is assumed these changes are consistent with increased residual volumes.