Pneumatoceles as a complication of chemical pneumonia after hydrocarbon ingestion.

Of 338 children with hydrocarbon ingestion, 134 (40 percent) had pneumonia. Pneumonia was most common after kerosene, furniture polish and lighter fluid ingestion. The pneumonia was most severe, however, with furniture polish. Pneumatoceles occurred in 14 children, most commonly with charcoal lighter fluid ingestion. Pneumatoceles generally appeared late, after the consolidation had cleared. Pneumatoceles were often large, septate and irregular, and sometimes contained fluid levels.