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Updated: Aug 18, 2025
Functional Neuroimaging Using Ultrasonic Blood-brain Barrier Disruption and Manganese-enhanced MRI
Published on: July 12, 2012
Welder's lung and brain MRI findings in manganese-exposed welders
Nur Şafak Alici1, Türkan Nadir Öziş2, Gülay Çeliker3
1Dr. Suat Seren Training and Research Hospital for Pulmonary Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Occupational Diseases, Izmir, Turkey. safak.alici@hotmail.com.
Background:
Biomarkers of manganese (Mn) exposure and manganism are poorly understood. Blood Mn levels are often used to assess exposure, while brain Mn accumulation may be demonstrated by pallidal hyperintensity at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Mn-containing electrodes used in manual metal arc welding may be associated with the welder's lungs.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was set up to compare T1 intensity in basal ganglia at MRI and Mn blood levels in subjects with or without pneumoconiosis. Clinical, radiological, pulmonary function and laboratory parameters were assessed among 154 welders referred to our hospital for suspected pulmonary pathology.
Results:
The study group included 123 male welders with pneumoconiosis (79.9%) and 31 welders without pulmonary damage (20.1%). The cases without pneumoconiosis were younger (38.5±6.6 vs 42.1±7.1, p=0.012). Cases with pneumoconiosis had blood lower Mn levels [13.5 (10-21)] as compared to those without pneumoconiosis [18.5 (7.8- 34)], p=0.035. In the same groups, the cases with high blood Mn levels were 49 (39.8%) and 18 (58.1%) p= 0.052, respectively. Brain MRI hyperintensity was found in 86 (55.8%) subjects with welder's lung 63 (51.2) but also in 23 (74.2) individuals without welder's lung. MRI hyperintensity in basal ganglia was significantly related to high blood Mn (p<0.005).
Conclusion:
This is the first study evaluating blood Mn levels of welders and their correlation with pulmonary and neurological effects. Poor working conditions may be associated with exposure to Mn and fibrogenic fumes leading to chronic lung diseases and hyperintensity in brain MRI suggesting Mn accumulation.
Insights
This study found that welders with pneumoconiosis had lower blood manganese levels. However, brain MRI showed manganese accumulation in welders, regardless of lung damage, linked to higher blood manganese.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neurotoxicology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Biomarkers for manganese (Mn) exposure and manganism are not well-established.
- Blood Mn levels and MRI-detected brain Mn accumulation (pallidal hyperintensity) are potential indicators.
- Manual metal arc welding involves Mn-containing electrodes, posing risks to welders' lungs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare T1 intensity in basal ganglia via MRI and blood Mn levels in welders with and without pneumoconiosis.
- To investigate the correlation between pulmonary conditions, neurological effects, and Mn exposure in welders.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 154 male welders suspected of pulmonary pathology.
- Assessment of clinical, radiological, pulmonary function, and laboratory parameters.
- Comparison of MRI T1 intensity in basal ganglia and blood Mn levels between groups.
Main Results:
- Welders with pneumoconiosis (79.9%) had lower blood Mn levels compared to those without (20.1%).
- Brain MRI hyperintensity was observed in 55.8% of subjects and significantly correlated with high blood Mn levels (p<0.005).
- Higher prevalence of high blood Mn levels was noted in individuals without pneumoconiosis (58.1%) versus those with (39.8%).
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to evaluate blood Mn levels in welders and their link to pulmonary and neurological outcomes.
- Poor working conditions may lead to Mn exposure and fibrogenic fumes, causing chronic lung disease and brain Mn accumulation.
- Findings suggest a correlation between occupational Mn exposure, lung disease, and neurological changes in welders.
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