What is toxic oil syndrome?
Toxic oil syndrome occurred in Spain in 1981 and affected more than 19000 people. It is characterized by pneumonitis, eosinophilia, pulmonary hypertension and scleroderma like features. The exact etiology remains elusive. Rapeseed oil denatured with 2% aniline was thought to be the culprit however some suggest that the fatty acid oleyl anilide may have been the culprit.
de la Paz MP et al. Toxic oil syndrome: the perspective after 20 years. Epidemiologic reviews 2001; 23(2): 231-247.
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