Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by esparto dust in a young plaster worker: a case report and review of the literature.
We report a case of a 25-year-old, white, male plaster worker who started developing fever, severe dyspnea and cough during the manipulation of esparto fibers. The functional lung study showed restrictive lung disease and decreased single-breath carbon monoxide transfer lung capacity. High-resolution computed tomography revealed a diffuse 'ground-glass' pattern. The histopathological findings were interstitial inflammation with a marked predominance of lymphocytes and microgranulomas. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed a significant predominance of lymphocytes, with an increase in the level of CD8. Serum precipitins against fungal antigens confirmed that Aspergillus fumigatus was the cause of the patient's hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Department of Pulmonology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain.
Javier
J
Flandes
Sarah
S
Heili
Julio
J
Gómez Seco
Oscar
O
Sabillón
Itziar
I
Fernández
Angel
A
Ortega
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004391:Dust; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006109:Poaceae / Q000276:immunology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust