Chronic beryllium disease: computed tomographic findings

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2010 Nov-Dec;34(6):945-8. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0b013e3181ef214e.

Abstract

Chronic beryllium disease is a rare multisystem granulomatous disease predominantly involving the lungs and resulting from an immunologic response to long-term occupational exposure. Computed tomography of the chest reveals important lung parenchymal and mediastinal findings and plays an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up assessment of patients with chronic beryllium disease. Its significance lies in the exact localization and evaluation of the extent of lesions. We present an overview of the subject and a pictorial review of the spectrum of computed tomographic features of beryllium disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Berylliosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Berylliosis / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*