Fire-eater’s pneumonitis

Fire-eater’s pneumonitis, also known as 'fir-eeater's lung', is an acute inflammatory response of the lungs to the accidental aspiration, during the show, of 'pyrofluids' or kerdan [1-9]. Kerdan is composed of petroleum-distilled products like toluene, xylene, ethilbenzene which differ from kerosene composition. Kerdan is characterised by its reduced viscosity and, unfortunately, by its rapid diffusion throughout the bronchial tree after sudden accidental aspiration [7]. Histological findings (not easily available in the literature) show necrotising acute bronchiolitis and necrotising acute fibrinous pneumonia, as previously reported in experimental models [10]. Despite the severe initial presentation, 'fire-eater's lung' usually has a favourable evolution with 'restitutio ad integrum' of pulmonary functions [7].