Case report of the successful treatment of lung injury caused by occupational exposure to methyl chloroformate and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of acute lung injuries caused by the inhalation of methyl chloroformate remains a difficult clinical problem, with a poor prognosis and a high mortality.

CASE PRESENTATION: After inhalation injuries from methyl chloroformate poisoning, bronchoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. A low tidal air volume and earlier application of steroids are also essential for successful treatment. The grading of acute exposure guideline levels (AEGLs) can direct the selection of a therapeutic regimen for patients with methyl chloroformate poisoning.

CONCLUSIONS: By analyzing the reported acute methyl chloroformate inhalation poisoning cases in China during 1989 to 2017, this study aims to value occupational protection in production activities, accumulate clinical experiences, and provide guidance for the treatment of such cases in the future.