Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
An unusual case of interstitial lung disease: Revisiting peribronchiolar metaplasia interstitial lung disease
Flora Jung1, Shane Shapera1, Michael Cabanero2
1Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada.
Abstract:
Peribronchiolar metaplasia (PBM) is a histological finding of uncertain significance commonly seen in interstitial lung disease (ILD). PBM is thought to be secondary to small airway injury from insults such as tobacco smoke and other environmental exposures. The term PBM-ILD has been proposed for patients with ILD where PBM is the major histologic finding, however a lack of radiographic changes supportive of ILD in previously reported cases has limited recognition of the diagnosis. We present a rare case of welding-associated ILD with clinical, radiographic, and histologic evidence consistent with the proposed definition of PBM-ILD. We outline an approach to its consideration as a diagnosis based on our experience through multidisciplinary discussion.
Insights
Peribronchiolar metaplasia with interstitial lung disease (PBM-ILD) is a rare diagnosis. This case highlights welding exposure as a cause of PBM-ILD, supporting its recognition with clinical, radiographic, and histologic evidence.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Occupational Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Peribronchiolar metaplasia (PBM) is a histological finding of unclear significance in interstitial lung disease (ILD).
- PBM is often linked to small airway injury from environmental exposures like tobacco smoke.
- The proposed diagnosis of PBM-ILD requires PBM as the primary histologic feature, but lacks consistent radiographic ILD findings.
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