ABSTRACT

The related diseases associated with the application of biopolymer for cosmetic purposes have been described, but the physiopathology consequences are not well understood. Some of the most important complications and the increasing mortality are related to pulmonary disease. We are presenting two cases of acute pneumonitis due to liquid biopolymer application, 1,000 mL approximately, to the buttocks. Both patients were male transsexuals, in the mid-thirties. After the application the patients developed chest pain and dyspnea, with mild hypoxemia, peripheral consolidation areas and ground glass opacities diffuse in the CT scan. The treatment consisted in systemic steroids and oxygen supplementation with success clinical outcome and radiographic resolution. It is known that indiscriminate use of these substances, often of dubious source, may cause serious complications and can lead to a fatal resolution; the early diagnosis can improve the outcome of patients and the role of treatment with systemic steroids is uncertain.

KEYWORDS

Pneumonitis, biopolymer, high resolution computed tomography, steroids, silicone.

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