CTICasesHard Metal Pneumoconiosis from Tungsten Carbide
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Imaging findings
Chest radiograph showed coarse reticular opacities and ill-defined ground-glass opacity, with a suggestion of bronchiectasis in the right upper lobe, and similar opacities in the lower lungs consistent with underlying pulmonary fibrosis. CT demonstrated volume loss in the right upper lobe, bronchiectasis, reticulation, patchy ground-glass opacities, and traction bronchiectasis, particularly in the lower lungs, along with areas of very low attenuation lung.
Key takeaways
Hard metal pneumoconiosis, often from tungsten carbide exposure, typically presents with patchy peribronchial and peripheral fibrosis, ground-glass opacities, and sometimes small ground-glass nodules, predominantly in the upper and mid lungs. It can resemble chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
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