Metal fume fever presenting as aseptic meningitis with pericarditis, pleuritis and pneumonitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Metal fume fever (MFF) is a well-known complication of zinc oxide fume inhalation. Prompt recognition of this condition is essential for the proper medical management of this self-limited disease. AIM: To present a unique and unusual case of MFF. RESULTS: Our patient is a 25-year-old male welder who had MFF and presented with aseptic meningitis with pericarditis, pleuritis and pneumonitis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of MMF presenting with these signs and symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: MFF can present with a systemic inflammatory response causing a multi-organ serositis. Our case highlights the utmost importance of obtaining an occupational history on all our patients, even if they are critically ill.