Combined Respiratory and Heart Failure After Chlorine Exposure: A Rare Case Report

Background: Chlorine gas is a common industrial chemical with known toxic effects on the respiratory system. However, cardiac complications are rarely reported. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 23-year-old previously healthy male who developed acute respiratory distress and reduced left ventricular systolic function following accidental exposure to chlorine gas. The patient presented with dyspnea, hypoxia, and chest discomfort. Imaging revealed bilateral infiltrates, and echocardiography showed a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, 40–45%). He was diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) likely due to toxic cardiomyopathy or myocarditis. Supportive oxygen therapy and guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure led to clinical improvement. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential for chlorine gas to cause not only pulmonary injury but also cardiac dysfunction. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but serious complication to enable timely diagnosis and management.