A case series describing common radiographic and pathologic patterns of hard metal pneumoconiosis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Hard metal pneumoconiosis is a rare but serious disease of the lungs associated with inhalational exposure to tungsten or cobalt dust. Little is known about the radiologic and pathologic characteristics of this disease and the efficacy of treating with immunosuppression.

Objective

We describe the largest cohort of patients with hard metal pneumoconiosis in the literature, including radiographic and pathologic patterns as well as treatment options.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients from the University of Pittsburgh pathology registry between the years of 1985 and 2016. Experts in chest radiology and pulmonary pathology reviewed the cases for radiologic and pathologic patterns.

Results

We identified 23 patients with a pathologic pattern

SUBMITTER: Chiarchiaro J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6098207 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature