Silicosis-related pleural effusion diagnosed using elemental analysis of the pleural fluid cell block: A case report. (2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Okamoto, Shouichi; Kobayashi, Isao; Moriyama, Hiroshi; Tanimura, Mayuka; Kadoya, Kotaro; Ienaga, Hiroki; Kikuchi, Toshiaki; Takahashi, Kazuhisa
• Is Part Of: Respiratory medicine case reports. Volume 37(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022
• Subjects: Cell block -- Elemental analysis -- Pleural effusion -- Silica -- Silicosis; CT computed tomography; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory System -- Periodicals; Chest -- Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2022.101665
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-0071

Abstract

Abstract: Pleural disease in silicosis remains an underrecognized entity. Herein, we describe the case of an 85-year-old man with a 20-year history of silica exposure between the ages of 9–28 years. He presented with bilateral exudative pleural effusions, and chest computed tomography revealed typical silicosis findings. Thoracentesis was performed thrice, but did not reveal the cause of effusion. However, pleural fluid cell-block elemental analysis revealed a silicon compound, suggesting that silicosis-related pleural effusion had developed after a long latency period. Therefore, elemental analysis of the pleural fluid cell block may help diagnose occupational lung diseases with pleural effusion.