CTICasesChronic Beryllium Disease
Imaging findings
Chest CT in a patient with a history of occupational exposure to beryllium shows bilateral mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy, severe bronchial retraction, peribronchovascular distortion, and central bronchiectasis in both upper and lower lung zones. Granulomatous inflammation is confirmed on biopsy, and the patient has a positive beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT).
Key takeaways
Chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis) is a systemic granulomatous disease caused by inhalation of beryllium dust or fumes, most commonly in aerospace, nuclear, or electronics industries. It is histologically and radiologically identical to sarcoidosis, presenting with hilar lymphadenopathy and bronchocentric granulomas that lead to progressive fibrosis. Diagnosis requires documenting exposure, granulomas, and a positive beryllium LPT.
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