Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in an automobile body shop worker

Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is often of uncertain etiology and is therefore named 'idiopathic' pulmonary fibrosis. Some occupational exposures, however, are known to cause interstitial fibrosis, asbestos and silica being well-known examples. We present clinical and pathological findings of a case with IPF and the results of microchemical analysis of inorganic particulate matter in the lung tissue. A very high lung burden of inorganic contaminants was found, including silica and metallic compounds. Emphasis is given to the importance of obtaining detailed occupational histories and conducting microchemical analysis of lung tissue in order to clarify etiological factors in cases with 'idiopathic' pulmonary fibrosis.