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Silicosis-related pleural effusion diagnosed using elemental analysis of the pleural fluid cell block: A case report
Shouichi Okamoto1,2,3, Isao Kobayashi1, Hiroshi Moriyama4
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
Abstract:
Pleural disease in silicosis remains an underrecognized entity. Herein, we describe the case of an 85-year-old man with a 20-year history of silica exposure between the ages of 9-28 years. He presented with bilateral exudative pleural effusions, and chest computed tomography revealed typical silicosis findings. Thoracentesis was performed thrice, but did not reveal the cause of effusion. However, pleural fluid cell-block elemental analysis revealed a silicon compound, suggesting that silicosis-related pleural effusion had developed after a long latency period. Therefore, elemental analysis of the pleural fluid cell block may help diagnose occupational lung diseases with pleural effusion.
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