Skeletal fluorosis secondary to harmful inhalant use

Abstract

Introduction

Inhalants are common household items that may be abused for the desired effect of euphoria. Skeletal fluorosis is an uncommon and debilitating bone disorder caused by excess fluoride deposition. We report a case of skeletal fluorosis from chronic inhalation of an electronic duster product containing 1,1-difluoroethane.

Case

A 33-year-old male with inhalant use disorder presented to the emergency department with prominent bilateral hand swelling and long bone deformities. The patient reported five years of inhaling “surf onn.© electronic duster” (1,1-Difluoroethane). Diagnostic testing demonstrated urine fluoride 64.5 mg/L (ref <3) and serum fluoride 1.8 mg/L (ref <0.13). Radiographs demonstrated diffuse periosteal new bone formation and sclerosis consistent with skeletal fluorosis.

Conclusion

Skeletal fluorosis is an uncommon complication of inhalant use disorder with products containing fluoride.

Keywords:

• Inhalant use
• difluoroethane
• huffing
• skeletal fluorosis
• fluoride deposition

Acknowledgements

Authors would like to acknowledge Katelyn McLain, BS for formatting and submission assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).