Microscopic polyangiitis accompanied by pleuritis as the only pulmonary manifestation of occupational silica exposure

Intern Med. 2010;49(10):925-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.49.3046. Epub 2010 May 14.

Abstract

A 68-year-old man, who had worked for processing quartz-containing stones for more than 50 years, complained of low-grade fever and arthralgia. Mediastinal lymph nodes were markedly swollen on chest computed tomography. Pathological findings of the lymph node were compatible with silicosis, with a high titer of myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA). During follow-up with prednisolone treatment, pleuritis and uveitis developed as manifestations of vasculitis. Thus, he was diagnosed with MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis with occupational silica exposure, possibly microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). This case is rare, because pleuritis was the only pulmonary manifestation, without interstitial pneumonia, alveolar hemorrhage or glomerulonephritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / blood
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Diseases / etiology
  • Lymphatic Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Microscopic Polyangiitis / etiology*
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Peroxidase / immunology
  • Pleurisy / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleurisy / etiology*
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Silicon Dioxide / adverse effects*
  • Silicosis / complications*
  • Silicosis / diagnosis*
  • Silicosis / drug therapy
  • Silicosis / immunology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Uveitis / etiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Prednisolone
  • Peroxidase