Exogenous lipoid pneumonia.

Eleven patients with exogenous lipoid pneumonia are reported. A history of usage of oil was obtained in all, but in five only retrospectively after thoracotomy. The clinical presentations ranged from occasional cough to severe respiratory difficulties. The radiologic manifestations varied from a solitary lipoid granuloma and larger consolidations simulating carcinoma to extensive subacute bronchopneumonia. The definitive diagnosis was made by history and radiographic findings in three, by history and analysis of sputum or bronchial washings in two, and after thoracotomy in six.