Diagnosis of pulmonary talcosis by electron-probe x-ray analysis.
A miner with a long history of drug abuse developed pulmonary fibrosis. It was not clear whether his disease was due to drug abuse or exposure to mine dust. Electron-probe x-ray analysis of mineral deposits in the lung showed that his disease was due to drug abuse and not occupational exposure to mine dust.
D000328:Adult; D003032:Coal Mining; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis / Q000379:methods; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009021:Morphine Dependence / Q000150:complications; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology