title: Unreported cardiac arrhythmias in aluminium worker.
abstract: Aluminium (Al) is the third most prevalent element, representing approximately 8% of total mineral components in the earth's crust (1). Chronic exposure to Al is mainly encountered at particular work places, for example, in foundries or in the Al powder industry, as an occupational exposure. In case of occupational Al exposure, inhalation is the main route of uptake. Chronic exposure to Al is associated with skeletal, neurological, hematological and lung changes. Studies regarding the Al powder industry showed that long-term inhalative exposure to Al can induce pulmonary fibrosis (2). Although there is only one report about ventricular tachycardia as a cardiac manifestation in occupationally exposed persons (3), in this report, we presented a case that had Mobitz type I second-degree atrioventricular block and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. To our knowledge, this is the first report in chronic poisoning.
authors.affiliation: Kartal Kosuyolu Yuksek Ihtisas Heart Education and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yildiz
authors.forename: Gonenc
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kocabay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000535:Aluminum / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D054537:Atrioventricular Block / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000535:Aluminum
keywords: Aluminium worker; Atrioventricular block; Cardiac arrhythmia; Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia