Fever and neutrophilic alveolitis caused by a vanadium based catalyst.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate a worker who experienced systemic and respiratory symptoms when exposed to a vanadium containing powder used as a catalyst in the production of maleic anhydride.


METHODS
The investigation included inhalation challenge with the suspected compound combined with monitoring of lung function tests and post-challenge bronchoalveolar lavage.


RESULTS
Exposure to the vanadium containing catalyst for 120 minutes resulted in a sustained decline in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second, while the transfer factor for carbon monoxide did not change significantly. The subject developed fever and peripheral blood neutrophilia. Bronchoalveolar lavage performed 48 hours after the end of challenge exposure showed a marked increase in neutrophils (60% of total cell count).


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to vanadium can cause a metal fume fever-like syndrome associated with neutrophilic alveolitis.
Vandenplas
O
O
Service de Pneumologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Mont-Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium Fonds des Maladies Professionnelles, Brussels, Belgium. oliver.vandenplas@pneu.ucl.ac.be
Binard-Van Cangh
F
F
Gregoire
J
J
Brumagne
A
A
Larbanois
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004391:Dust; D005334:Fever / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017968:Vanadium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000187:drug effects
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004391:Dust; D017968:Vanadium Compounds; D000420:Albuterol