Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis With Long History of Asbestos and Silicon Exposure

Int J Surg Pathol. 2018 Apr;26(2):190-193. doi: 10.1177/1066896917739399. Epub 2017 Nov 7.

Abstract

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is an uncommon interstitial lung disease. PPFE is characterized by fibroelastosis involving the pleura and subjacent parenchyma with a predominantly upper lobe distribution. While different possible environmental and familial etiologies have been postulated in the literature, the etiology of this disease remains essentially unclear and most cases are considered as idiopathic. In this report, we describe a rare case of PPFE with multiple lung lobe involvements and prolonged asbestos and silica exposure. Our goal is to investigate the exposure of asbestos and silica and try to identify their possible association with PPFE.

Keywords: asbestos; injury; pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis; silicon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Asbestos / adverse effects*
  • Elastic Tissue / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Silicon Dioxide / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Asbestos
  • Silicon Dioxide