Pulmonary Foreign Body Granulomatosis in Dental Technician.
10.4046/trd.2015.78.4.445
- Author:
Sung Jun CHUNG
1
;
Gun Woo KOO
;
Dong Won PARK
;
Hyun Jung KWAK
;
Ji Young YHI
;
Ji Yong MOON
;
Sang Heon KIM
;
Jang Won SOHN
;
Ho Joo YOON
;
Dong Ho SHIN
;
Sung Soo PARK
;
Ju Yeon PYO
;
Young Ha OH
;
Tae Hyung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. drterry@hanyang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Lung Disease;
Dental Technicians
- MeSH:
Adult;
Beryllium;
Biopsy, Needle;
Cobalt;
Cough;
Dental Technicians*;
Dyspnea;
Female;
Foreign Bodies*;
Giant Cells, Foreign-Body;
Granuloma;
Humans;
Inhalation;
Lung;
Lung Diseases;
Lymph Nodes;
Metals, Heavy;
Nickel;
Thorax
- From:Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
2015;78(4):445-449
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Occupational lung diseases are caused by several toxic substances including heavy metals; however, the exact pathologic mechanisms remain unknown. In the workplace, dental technicians are often exposed to heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel, or beryllium and occasionally develop occupational lung diseases. We described a case of occupational lung disease in a patient who was employed as a dental technician for over a decade. A 31-year-old, non-smoking woman presented with productive cough and shortness of breath of several weeks duration. Chest computed tomography revealed a large number of scattered, bilateral small pulmonary nodules throughout the lung field, and multiple mediastinal lymph nodes enlargement. Percutaneous needle biopsy showed multifocal small granulomas with foreign body type giant cells suggestive of heavy metals inhalation. The patient's condition improved on simple avoidance strategy for several months. This case highlighted the importance of proper workplace safety.
