Talc pneumoconiosis: Significance of sublight microscopic mineral particles

Abstract

Described herein is a patient with talc pneumoconiosis whose symptoms began fifteen years after heavy exposure and who progressed to massive fibrosis and death seven years later from cardiopulmonary insufficiency. Studies of pulmonary function showed restriction of lung volumes, loss of pulmonary compliance and increased venous admixture with moderate hypoxemia. Cardiac catheterization revealed pulmonary hypertension. Lung tissue was analyzed for mineral content by x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, which established the presence of talc in the absence of histologic demonstration of mineral particles by conventional light microscopy. The significance of submicroscopic talc particles in the production of disease is demonstrated and related to similar findings in asbestosis.