Aluminosis pneumoconiosis presenting as hyperdense lung nodules

Abstract

We present the case of a 66-year-old man who presented with new incidentally found hyperdense pulmonary nodules. Further workup with a PET/CT revealed that the nodules were FDG-avid and that there was associated hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy. Due to his history of aluminum toxicity from welding, aluminosis pneumoconiosis was suspected. Biopsy of one of the nodules was done which reinforced this diagnosis. Aluminosis pneumoconiosis is a rare occupational lung disease mostly associated with industrial workers with prolonged unprotected exposure to fine aluminum dust. Prognosis depends on the duration and intensity of exposure, and there is no definitive treatment other than eliminating further exposure.

Keywords

• Pulmonary nodules
• Pneumoconiosis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Occupational lung disease
• Hyperdense nodules
• Aluminum