Nonasbestos ferruginous bodies in sputum from a patient with graphite pneumoconiosis: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Inhalation of graphite dust can cause lung disease, mostly in the form of mixed-dust pneumoconiosis in individuals working in the metallurgic industry or graphite mines. The morphologic landmark of graphite pneumoconiosis is nonasbestos ferruginous bodies with a black graphite core.


METHODS
In the sputum of an 81-year-old male, characteristic nonasbestos ferruginous bodies were identified. The occupational history confirmed long exposure to natural graphite in metallurgy.


CONCLUSIONS
By the identification of typical ferruginous bodies, the screening of sputum smears may confirm the clinical and radiologic suspicion of pneumoconiosis and may contribute to determining its causes.
Mazzucchelli
L
L
Institute of Pathology, University of Berne, Switzerland.
Radelfinger
H
H
Kraft
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000473:pathology; D006108:Graphite / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011009:Pneumoconiosis / Q000473:pathology*; D013183:Sputum / Q000737:chemistry*
D006108:Graphite