Yonsei Med J.  2014 Sep;55(5):1447-1449. 10.3349/ymj.2014.55.5.1447.

Silicon Dioxide Particles Deposited in Vessels and Cartilage of the Femoral Head

• Xu M
• Qing M
• Peng D

• KMID: 1799516
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2014.55.5.1447

Abstract

Silicosis had been considered for decades as an illness with manifestations of lung fibrosis due to inhalation of overconcentrated SiO2 dust. To the best of our knowledge, studies have yet to report SiO2 deposits in any other tissues and organs. In the present case, while performing bilateral artificial total hip arthroplasty for one patient, we found that the articular cartilage of the bilateral femoral head was black. Therefore, specimens thereof were sent for pathological examination. Pathological examination (immunohistochemistry) and polarized light microscopy revealed the presence of considerable brown, acicular, rhombic, and crumb-like crystals. The crystals were mainly composed of SiO2. SiO2 could deposit in vessels and femoral head cartilage via blood circulation.

Keyword

Silicon dioxide; vessels; cartilage; femoral head

MeSH Terms

Blood Vessels/*chemistry
Cartilage/*chemistry
Femur Head/*pathology
Humans
Lung/*radiography
Male
Middle Aged
Silicon Dioxide/*analysis
Silicosis/*diagnosis
Synovitis/*pathology
Silicon Dioxide

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Radiograph of the lungs: lung markings of both lungs are increased and thick; mottled, unclear edges and diffuse distribution of high density material in the bilateral lungs are visible. The radiograph is consistent with early silicosis.

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  Fig. 2 Excised bilateral femoral head.

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  Fig. 3 Black substances in vessels of the left greater trochanter.

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  Fig. 4 Pathological examination (immunohistochemistry) and polarized light microscopy: chronic synovitis and proliferation of granuloma are visible under a microscope. Note the considerable amounts of brownish acicular, rhombic, and crumb-like crystals. At their edges, giant cell reactions of foreign-bodies are seen. Crystals mainly comprised SiO2 (H&E ×100).

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