Eosinophilic lung reaction to aluminium and hard metal

Chest. 1994 Apr;105(4):1261-3. doi: 10.1378/chest.105.4.1261.

Abstract

A nonsmoker drill polisher with interstitial lung disease is presented. The environmental exposure was mainly to aluminum oxide, aluminum silicate, and hard metals. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed high eosinophilia, and transbronchial biopsy specimen disclosed interstitial pneumonia with giant cell infiltrates and peribronchiolar accumulation of macrophages laden with opaque dust. Mineralogic studies done from the tissue revealed a high concentration of exogenous particles that were identified as hard metals and aluminum silicate. These findings are compatible with hard metal pneumoconiosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Compounds
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / cytology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metals*
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / pathology
  • Pneumoconiosis / etiology*
  • Pneumoconiosis / pathology
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / pathology

Substances

  • Aluminum Compounds
  • Metals