Is chronic beryllium disease sarcoidosis of known etiology?
Sarcoidosis is a granulomatosis that predominantly affects the lungs and is of unknown etiology. Chronic beryllium disease is a granulomatosis that predominantly affects the lungs and is due to a hypersensitivity response to beryllium. Similarities and differences between these two disorders are reviewed and lessons for both sarcoidosis and chronic beryllium disease are discussed.
Rossman
Milton D
MD
Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA. rossmanm@mail.med.upenn.edu
Kreider
Mary Elizabeth
ME
D001607:Berylliosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*