Abstract
Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is an exposure-related granulomatous disease mimicking sarcoidosis. Beryllium exposure-associated disease occurs mainly via inhalation, but skin may also be a source of sensitization. A 65-year-old male with a history of war-related shrapnel wounds was initially diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Twenty years later, the possibility of a metal-related etiology for the lung disease was raised. A beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test, elemental analysis of removed shrapnel, and genetic studies were consistent with a diagnosis of CBD. This case demonstrates that retained beryllium-containing foreign bodies can be linked to a pathophysiologic response in the lung consistent with CBD.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 147-150 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Sarcoidosis Vasculitis and Diffuse Lung Diseases |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- Beryllium sensitization
- Chest wall
- Shrapnel