Background: Lipid pneumonia in children has rarely been described in Europe. In some countries, due to local customs, the course is chronic. This study describes an acute lipid pneumonia in a young boy.
Case report: A 12 year-old boy, previously treated for a rhabdomyosarcoma, developed acute fever with thoracic pain. A chest radiograph revealed heterogenous consolidation. The patient was given oral antibiotics, although no improvement was observed. The diagnosis of lipid pneumonia was made by a bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage. Treatment with corticosteroids was started. Clinical manifestations improved rapidly. One month later, chest radiograph and biological findings were normal.
Conclusion: Diagnosis of lipid pneumonia should be considered in children with an acute febrile pneumonitis non resolving with antibiotic treatment. Examination of the fluid obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage confirms the diagnosis.