Diphosgene Exposure Workup

Updated: Sep 19, 2023
  • Author: Paul P Rega, MD, FACEP; Chief Editor: Zygmunt F Dembek, PhD, MS, MPH, LHD  more...
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Workup

Approach Considerations

No laboratory test confirms diphosgene (DP) exposure. Arterial blood gas measurement may be useful to determine the degree of hypoxemia or acidemia in patients who are being considered for endotracheal tube placement.

Chest radiographs may initially appear normal but eventually reveal pulmonary edema in patients with significant exposure. Because of the possibility of delayed pulmonary edema, a baseline chest radiograph should be considered prior to discharge.

An electrocardiogram can be obtained to help ensure that the patient does not have cardiogenic pulmonary edema or stress-induced ischemia.