PULMONARY TALCOSIS: A Foreign body granulomatous lung disease

Abstract

Pulmonary Talcosis is a rare foreign body granulomatous disease that occurs as a result of exposure to talc either by inhalation of talc particles or via intravascular injection of talc containing medications. Pulmonary Talcosis is often misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis, atypical mycobacterium infection or sarcoidosis as many of their clinical and radiological findings overlap. We report a case of talcosis mimicking mycobacterial disease which was eventually diagnosed via lung biopsy. A detailed history and high index of suspicion is required for timely diagnosis and appropriate management.