Propane thermal injuries: case report and review of the literature.

"Burn-like" propane thermal injury is produced by evaporative heat loss causing damage to vital structures. Acute appearance is that of heat burn with progressive vascular compromise. Histopathologic study demonstrates epidermal and dermal necrosis followed by vascular thrombosis. Physicians should be aware of this injury and its consequence in light of the widespread use of pressurized propane storage.