Open AccessArtificial stone‐associated silicosis with concurrent Cryptococcus infection
Author(s) -
Shen HsiangShi,
Lai YuTing,
Tsai HanChen,
Chang ShiChuan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.765
Subject(s) - silicosis , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , cryptococcus , antifungal , immunology , virology , biology , pathology
Abstract Acute silicoproteinosis is a disease that develops in weeks, and lasting for years, after massive exposure to silica dust in relatively closed spaces. It was rare, but the cases have recently increased worldwide due to the development of artificial stone industry. Compared with traditional silicosis, artificial stone‐associated silicosis is more rapidly progressive and lethal. Hence, a correct diagnosis and optimal treatment are crucial. Here, we present the clinical course of a 33‐year‐old artificial stonemason who suffered from acute silicoproteinosis with concurrent Cryptococcus infection resulting in profound respiratory failure. This patient was treated by bronchoscope‐assisted therapeutic segmental lung lavage and antifungal agent, under mechanical ventilator and ECMO support and recovered well. A brief review of acute silicoproteinosis and artificial stone‐associated silicosis is also presented and highlights the new form of industry exposure to silica.