Self-injection of kerosene with chemical pneumonitis and abscess formation ‒ a case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Kerosene, a widely available household fuel in Sri Lanka, is a common cause of accidental poisoning, especially in children, and is occasionally used for self-harm, which can cause complications such as chemical pneumonitis, abscesses, and thrombosis. Its unsafe storage practices increase the risk of accidental exposure. Description of the case. A 16-year-old Sri Lankan male self-injected kerosene into the left cubital fossa. Although initially stable, he later developed chemical pneumonitis, left cephalic vein thrombosis, and a sterile abscess at the injection site. Conclusion. Early multidisciplinary intervention and close clinical monitoring led to a favorable outcome. A review of the literature reveals that intravenous hydrocarbon injection, although rare, can lead to significant local and systemic toxicities.