title: Pulmonary fibrosis secondary to siderosis causing symptomatic respiratory disease: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pulmonary siderosis secondary to the inhalation of iron compounds is a rare condition which, despite striking radiological and histopathological features, has not traditionally been associated with symptoms or functional impairment. Although not the first of its kind, we present an unusual case of pulmonary siderosis with symptomatic respiratory disease, most likely secondary to associated fibrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 66-year-old Caucasian man was referred to the outpatient clinic with a 2-year history of exertional breathlessness. He had worked as an engineer for 20 years where he did a significant amount of welding but always wore a face shield. Clinical, radiological and histological features were consistent with a diagnosis of pulmonary siderosis, with associated fibrosis, most likely related to his occupational welding history.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our report illustrates that symptomatic respiratory disease due to mild peribronchiolar fibrosis can occur with pulmonary siderosis despite wearing a mask. Furthermore, it reinforces the need for all clinicians to compile a detailed occupational history in individuals presenting with breathlessness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK. drliammccormick@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Liam M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: McCormick
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goddard
authors.forename: Ravi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mahadeva