A case of nickel-induced eosinophilic pneuminia

Kim, Dong Gyu; Kim, Jung Han; Jang, Hyun Joo; Song, Jin Young; Seo, Sung O; Lee, Sung Jun; Son, Ji Oung; Park, Myoung Jae; Lee, Myung Gu; Hyun, In Gyu; Jung, Ki Suck

Abstract

Eosinophilic lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by eosinophilic pulmonary infiltrates and, commonly peripheral blood eosinophilia. A vast number of drugs have been associated with eosinophilic pneumonia and drug reactions are one of the most commonly reported causes of pulmonary infiltrates with blood and/or alveolar eosinophilia. Nickel exposure may occur in occupations including nickel maker, nickel smelters, stainless steel makers, battery makers, electroformer, electroplater, refining operations etc, and has been associated with an increased risk of lung and nasal cancers. Nickel dust has been reported to induce eosinophilic pneumonia, infrequently. We experienced a case of nickel-induced eosinophilic pneumonia in a 55 years old male patient who has been working at a stainless press factory for 25 years until retirement at January 1998. He complained of dry cough and exertional dyspnea, and presented peripheral eosinophilia and multiple small nodular opacities on chest radiograph. Pathological examination of open lung biopsy revealed diffuse vasculitis involving variable-sized vessels with diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells, particulary eosinophils. Nickel concentration measured from two dried lung tissue was 39.66 microgram/g and 25.14 microgram/g, respectively.