Premium
Lung granulomatosis in a dental technician
Author(s) -
Brancaleone P.,
Weynand B.,
De Vuyst P.,
Stanescu D.,
Pieters T.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0274(199812)34:6<628::aid-ajim12>3.0.co;2-9
Subject(s) - pneumoconiosis , medicine , dental technician , bronchoalveolar lavage , lung , pulmonary function testing , asbestos , pathology , asbestosis , technician , silicosis , occupational lung disease , population , radiology , dentistry , environmental health , engineering , materials science , electrical engineering , metallurgy
Background Dental technicians are potentially exposed to various occupational dusts and chemicals. Not surprisingly, occupational related lung diseases have been documented in this population. Methods We describe the case of a dental laboratory technician presenting progressive exertional dyspnea and cough. We used lung function tests, computed tomography, histological examination, mineralogical and immunological studies to characterize his condition. Results Lung function studies disclosed a restrictive pattern with a low diffusion capacity. A high‐resolution CT scan revealed the presence of micronodules in both lungs corresponding to non‐caseating foreign body granulomas at histological examination. Mineralogic studies showed the presence of silica, silicates, and aluminum. The lymphocytic transformation test was positive with the bronchoalveolar lavage for beryllium. Conclusions This dental technician developed pulmonary granulomatosis. Combined histological, mineralogical, and immunological studies led us to consider the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis most likely related to occupational exposure to beryllium and aluminum. Am. J. Ind. Med. 34:628–631, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.