Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Secondary alveolar proteinosis is a rare lung disease which may be triggered by a variety of inhaled particles. The diagnosis is made by detection of anti-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor antibodies in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which appears milky white and contains lamellar bodies. Aluminium has been suggested as a possible cause, but there is little evidence in the literature to support this assertion. We report the case of a 46-year-old former boilermaker and boat builder who developed secondary alveolar proteinosis following sustained heavy aluminium exposure. The presence of aluminium was confirmed both by histological examination and metallurgical analysis of a mediastinal lymph node. Despite cessation of exposure to aluminium and treatment with whole-lung lavage which normally results in improvements in both symptoms and lung function, the outcome was poor and novel therapies are now being used for this patient. It may be that the natural history in aluminium-related alveolar proteinosis is different, with the metal playing a mediating role in the disease process. Our case further supports the link between aluminium and secondary alveolar proteinosis and highlights the need for measures to prevent excessive aluminium inhalation in relevant industries.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/occmed/kqw049

Type

Journal

Occupational medicine (Oxford, England)

Publication Date

08/2016

Volume

66

Pages

492 - 494

Addresses

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland 4215, Australia, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia.

Keywords

Mediastinum, Lung, Lymph Nodes, Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid, Humans, Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Occupational Diseases, Aluminum, Dust, Administration, Inhalation, Occupational Exposure, Ships, Middle Aged, Occupations, Male, Construction Industry, Manufacturing Industry