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Nonasbestos ferruginous bodies in sputum from a patient with graphite pneumoconiosis: a case report
L Mazzucchelli1, H Radelfinger, R Kraft
1Institute of Pathology, University of Berne, Switzerland.
Background:
Inhalation of graphite dust can cause lung disease, mostly in the form of mixed-dust pneumoconiosis in individuals working in the metallurgic industry or graphite mines. The morphologic landmark of graphite pneumoconiosis is nonasbestos ferruginous bodies with a black graphite core.
Case:
In the sputum of an 81-year-old male, characteristic nonasbestos ferruginous bodies were identified. The occupational history confirmed long exposure to natural graphite in metallurgy.
Conclusion:
By the identification of typical ferruginous bodies, the screening of sputum smears may confirm the clinical and radiologic suspicion of pneumoconiosis and may contribute to determining its causes.
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