Presentation
Shortness of breath with decreased respiratory function.
Patient Data
Age: 60 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Hard-metal pneumoconiosis
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There are multifocal areas of ground-glass opacities involving all lung lobes associated with bibasilar increased reticulations.
Case Discussion
This case shows the non-specific pattern of interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis, due to the inhalation of the hard metal (cobalt or cobalt alloys e.g. tungsten).
Axial HRCT shows patchy ground-glass opacities (lower lobe predominance and mild subpleural reticulation. Calcified mediastinal adenopathy.
Biopsy shows giant cell interstitial pneumonia.