[Initial results with x-ray absorption spectrometry in lung fibrosis]

Biopsies from 68 patients suffering from interstitial lung disease were examined with regard to minerals using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDXA). In 31 patients a higher portion of minerals or elements were found as pigments. The interpretation of these findings is difficult. If there is a professional exposition and a reaction of the lung parenchyma the findings could be of clinical value.