Pulmonary fibrosis secondary to siderosis causing symptomatic respiratory disease: a case report
Pulmonary fibrosis secondary to siderosis causing symptomatic respiratory disease: a case report
Journal of Medical Case Reports 2008, 2:257
Published: December 2009
Published: December 2009
Abstract
Introduction
Pulmonary siderosis secondary to the inhalation of iron compounds is a rare condition which, despite striking radiological and histopathological features, has not traditionally been associated with symptoms or functional impairment. Although not the first of its kind, we present an unusual case of pulmonary siderosis with symptomatic respiratory disease, most likely secondary to associated fibrosis.
Case presentation
A 66-year-old Caucasian man was referred to the outpatient clinic with a 2-year history of exertional breathlessness. He had worked as an engineer for 20 years where he did a significant amount of welding but always wore a face shield. Clinical, radiological and histological features were consistent with a diagnosis of pulmonary siderosis, with associated fibrosis, most likely related to his occupational welding history.
Conclusion
Our report illustrates that symptomatic respiratory disease due to mild peribronchiolar fibrosis can occur with pulmonary siderosis despite wearing a mask. Furthermore, it reinforces the need for all clinicians to compile a detailed occupational history in individuals presenting with breathlessness.
Introduction
Pulmonary siderosis secondary to the inhalation of iron compounds is a rare condition which was first described in 1936 [1]. Despite striking radiological and histopathological features, it has traditionally been classified as a 'benign pneumoconiosis' [2] because of the absence of associated symptoms, functional impairment or pulmonary fibrosis [3]. Uncommonly, however, symptomatic disease with interstitial fibrosis has been described in arc welders [4]. We present an unusual case of pulmonary siderosis with symptomatic respiratory disease, most likely secondary to associated fibrosis.
Keywords:
pulmonary fibrosis, diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, idopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lung transplant pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory diseases smoking, pulmonary respiratory disease, respiratory disease air pollution, respiratory disease asthma, chronic respiratory disease, respiratory lung disease, copd respiratory disease,
pulmonary fibrosis, diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, idopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lung transplant pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory diseases smoking, pulmonary respiratory disease, respiratory disease air pollution, respiratory disease asthma, chronic respiratory disease, respiratory lung disease, copd respiratory disease,
References:
- Doig AT, McLaughlin AIG: X-ray appearances of the lungs of electric arc welders. Lancet 1936, 1:771-775.
- Billings CG, Howard P: Occupational siderosis and welders' lung: a review. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 1993, 48:304-314.
- Doig AT, McLaughlin AIG: Clearing of X-ray shadows in welders' siderosis. Lancet 1948, 1:789-791.
- Nemery B: Metal toxicity and the respiratory tract. Eur Respir J 1990, 3:202-219.
- Funahashi A, Schlueter DP, Pintar K, Bemis EL, Siegesmund KA: Welders' pneumoconiosis: tissue elemental microanalysis by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Br J Ind Med 1988, 45:14-18.
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