Abstract
A hydraulics mechanic developed a contact allergic dermatitis to polymerized 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline (TDQ-polymer) present in a hydraulic fluid. He was patch-test negative to TDQ-monomer as well as to other quinoline compounds (iodochlorhydroxyquin, ethyoxyquin, 8-hydroxyquinoline). In the past 10 years, we have evaluated three additional automobile mechanics with hand dermatitis who were also patch-test positive to TDQ-polymer. A patient known to be allergic to ethoxyquin was patch-test positive to TDQ-monomer but not to TDQ-polymer. These results suggested that either a polymerized fragment or a by-product formed in the synthesis of TDQ-polymer is the antigenic focus. TDQ-polymer is a potential allergen in people who work with hydraulic fluids and greases, as well as with rubber products. There does not appear to be cross-reactivity between TDQ-polymer and other quinolines.
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