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Acute laryngeal and bronchial obstruction after CS (o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) gas inhalation

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Abstract

CS gas (o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) is one of the most commonly used riot agents. It can create excessive tearing, conjunctivitis, uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm) and a sensation of burning and pain at initial exposure. Pulmonary edema (ARDS) and/or diffuse airway lesions on human would be lethal after CS inhalation. We report a case with acute laryngeal and bronchial obstruction due to vocal cord edema and extensive crusting at glottic level, trachea and bronchi. The CS gas was sprayed in a 6 × 6 m2 closed room, and she was exposed to increased concentration of the gas for 10 s. Surprisingly, her initial symptoms were raised 21 days after CS spray exposure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Otorhinolaryngology Department, KBB ABD, Cerrahpasa Medicine Faculty, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey

    E. Karaman & C. Duman

  2. Chest Diseases Department, Cerrahpasa Medicine Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey

    S. Erturan & M. Yaman

  3. The Council of Forensic Medicine, The Ministry of Justice, Istanbul, Turkey

    G. Unal Duman

Authors
  1. E. Karaman
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  2. S. Erturan
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  3. C. Duman
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  4. M. Yaman
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  5. G. Unal Duman
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Correspondence to C. Duman.

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Karaman, E., Erturan, S., Duman, C. et al. Acute laryngeal and bronchial obstruction after CS (o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) gas inhalation. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 266, 301–304 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-008-0653-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-008-0653-5

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