Pulmonary fibrosis secondary to siderosis causing symptomatic respiratory disease: a case report

Liam M McCormick¹ , Martin Goddard² and Ravi Mahadeva¹

¹Department of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK

²Department of Pathology, Papworth Hospital, Papworth Everard, Cambridge CB23 3RE, UK

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Medical Case Reports 2008, 2:257doi:10.1186/1752-1947-2-257


Published:	5 August 2008

Abstract

Introduction

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.

Case presentation

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.

Conclusion

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.