Ferruginous body

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 28 Apr 2020

A ferruginous body is a histological finding in interstitial lung disease that is a result of inorganic dust inhalation.

Macrophage ingestion of the inorganic fiber results in a fibrotic reaction with encasement of the fiber in iron-rich material that is derived from proteins such as ferritin and hemosiderin.

Where asbestos is confirmed as the fiber in the nidus of the body, it is termed an asbestos body.

See also

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