Iron pill pneumonitis with reactive lymph nodes

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Iron pill pneumonitis is a rare lung disease.
• It typically arises from accidental aspiration of iron-containing supplements.
• Key features include airway inflammation, aspiration, and hemosiderin deposition in lung tissue.

Observation:

• A case study of an elderly woman presenting with chronic cough, pulmonary infiltrates, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy on imaging.
• The patient's clinical presentation mimicked other interstitial lung diseases or malignancy.

Findings:

• Lung biopsy revealed non-necrotizing granulomas, a key finding in diagnosing iron pill pneumonitis.
• The diagnosis was confirmed by correlating imaging findings with biopsy results and clinical history of iron supplement aspiration.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering iron pill pneumonitis in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients with unexplained pulmonary findings.
• Accurate identification is crucial for appropriate management and to prevent further lung damage from continued iron aspiration.