A 45-year-old dentist reported to the emergency department of a hospital with repeated episodes of irritating, dry cough, mild fever, and breathlessness, especially during periods of increased activity. During work, she polished zirconia-based structures and covered them in ceramic. No aspiration hoods were available at her workplace, and the use of PPE was inconsistent.
Her symptoms improved during periods of absence from her workplace. Investigations Chest CT – Numerous oval-shaped nodules in the inferior lobe, subpleural, and peripheral sites Pulmonary function and autoimmunity marker tests – No abnormal findings Bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial aspiration were carried out (Table 1) Optical microscopy – Traces of metallic dust Mass spectrometry of dust samples from her office revealed high concentrations of yttrium and and zirconium (common components of dental ceramics) along…
