1. Chest wall shrapnel-induced beryllium-sensitization and associated pulmonary disease.
- Author
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Fireman, E, Fireman, E, Shai, A Bar, Lerman, Y, Topilsky, M, Blanc, PD, Maier, L, Li, L, Chandra, S, Abraham, JM, Fomin, I, Aviram, G, Abraham, JL, Fireman, E, Fireman, E, Shai, A Bar, Lerman, Y, Topilsky, M, Blanc, PD, Maier, L, Li, L, Chandra, S, Abraham, JM, Fomin, I, Aviram, G, and Abraham, JL
- 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.
- Published
- 2012