Unusual hard metal lung disease: bronchiolocentric interstitial pneumonia.
Occup Med (Lond)
; 74(4): 323-327, 2024 06 11.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38702919
ABSTRACT
A 38-year-old woman experienced a persistent dry cough and progressively worsening dyspnoea for 2 years. Spirometry testing revealed a moderate-to-severe restrictive abnormality. High-resolution chest computed tomography showed diffuse reticulonodular opacities. A lung biopsy disclosed alveolar parenchymal inflammation and fibrosis with bronchiolocentric features, prompting consideration of interstitial pneumonia. Following a thorough investigation of her occupational history and an on-site inspection, it was discovered that the patient had been grinding drill bits designed for printed circuit boards for 8 years, exposing her to hard metals. Mineralogical analyses confirmed excessive tungsten in urine, serum and hair, leading to a diagnosis of hard metal lung disease due to tungsten carbide-cobalt exposure. After discontinuing exposure and commencing corticosteroid therapy, her symptoms, pulmonary function and imaging showed modest improvement. This case highlights the significance of assessing occupational history in patients with interstitial pneumonia and understanding industrial hazards for accurate diagnosis and care.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Exposição Ocupacional
/
Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais
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Doenças Profissionais
Limite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Occup Med (Lond)
Assunto da revista:
MEDICINA OCUPACIONAL
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Taiwan