A rare cause of fatal cardiac arrhythmia: Inhalation of butane gas

Abstract

Butane gas, especially available in lighters, is commonly misused amongadolescents and its side effects are rarely observed but serious. A 14-yearold male was brought to our emergency department. The electrocardiographic(ECG) examination showed biphasic T waves in leads V4-V6, and long QTc at481ms. Echocardiographic study showed left ventricular systolic dysfunction.Troponin I level was found to be high at 9.1 ng/ml. Taking into considerationthe patient’s history, clinical and laboratory findings, ventricular fibrillationand myocardial injury resulting from butane gas inhalation was diagnosed.