Tuberc Respir Dis.  2008 Dec;65(6):541-545.

A Case of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in an Automobile Paint Sprayer

• Oh MN
• Cho MJ
• Baek HK
• Cho KS
• Kang JH
• Kim Y
• Kwak JY

Abstract

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immunologically-mediated disease resulting from repeated exposure to sensitizing agents, such as organic dusts or chemicals. Isocyanate is a volatile and highly reactive chemical that is extensively used in the manufacturing of automobiles, upholstery, and polyurethane foam. Occupational respiratory diseases associated with isocyanate, such as bronchial asthma, are well-known. It is thought that HP is one of the rare diseases induced by isocyanate with a very low frequency worldwide. We report a case of HP in an automobile painting sprayer which appeared to be associated with isocyanate.

Keyword

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis; Isocyanate; Paint sprayer

MeSH Terms

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic
Asthma
Automobiles
Dust
Hypersensitivity
Paint
Paintings
Polyurethanes
Rare Diseases
Dust
Polyurethanes

Figure

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  Figure 1 Initial chest PA shows diffuse ground glass opacities in both lung fields (A). Follow up chest PA (24 days later), diffuse ground glass opacities are nearly improved (B).

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  Figure 2 Chest CT on admission shows diffuse centrilobular nodules and ground glass opacity lesions (A, B).

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  Figure 3 Transbronchial biopsy reveals interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cell infiltration (A, H&E stain, ×40) and non-necrotizing granuloma (B, H&E stain, ×100).

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