Acute Renal Failure Due to Inhalation of Trichlorethylene

Abstract

A 41-year old man developed acute renal failure after inadvertent inhalation of trichlorethylene used as a solvent. Peritoneal dialysis was utilized for relief of the uremic syndrome until kidney function returned. The course was complicated by electrocardiographic evidence of a toxic myocarditis. This was believed related to retention of trichlorethylene, or its metabolic products, because of the oliguria. Ultimate recovery was complete, without evidence of residual renal or myocardial damage. No prior report of acute renal failure due to inhalation of trichlorethylene was found in the literature. Reports suggesting a delayed toxic effect upon the myocardium are cited.