Oral frostbite injury from intentional abuse of a fluorinated hydrocarbon.

BACKGROUND: A serious but rarely reported complication of halogenated hydrocarbon inhalation abuse is severe mucosal frostbite.

CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old male attempted to "get high" by inhaling airbrush propellant which contained 1,1-difluoroethane (CAS #75-376). The patient lost consciousness and upon awakening his lips and tongue were frozen. He suffered first- and second-degree burns of the larynx with vocal cord involvement and first-degree burns of the trachea, main stem bronchi, and esophagus. The oral cavity had second- and third-degree burns which required debridement.

CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the unusual but severe damage that can occur with the abuse of fluorinated hydrocarbons.