Laser microprobe mass spectrometry (LAMMS) analysis of beryllium, sarcoidosis and other granulomatous diseases

Beryllium was detected in the granulomas of all thirty-three cases of CBD examined and was absent in thirty cases of sarcoidosis. It was also found in association with coal dust in one of twelve normal lungs. Beryllium could also be detected in Schaumann bodies and hyalinized scars. Beryllium, though sometimes present in Kveim negative biopsies of CBD patients, was not found in any originating Kveim antigen. Rare earths (La, Ce, Pr and Nd) were unexpectedly found in two of the thirty sarcoid patients but not in any other samples. We have identified the crystalline component of Schaumann bodies as calcite and shown that they, as well as calispherules of microlithiasis, contain calcium phosphate. Al and Ti may be found in normal lungs but when associated with hypersensitivity granulomatous disease, their oxides were also present.