Beryllium expsore is associated with: (A) Pulmonary fibrosis, (B) Granulomatous lung disease, (C) Lung cancer, (D) Mesothelioma
Answer is B. Beryllium can produce a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease that is similar to sarcoidosis.It is distinguished from sarcoidosis by evidence of a specific cell-mediated immune response(delayed hypersensitivity) to beryllium.Chest imaging shows nodules along septal lines.Pulmonary function tests show restrictive and /or obstructive ventilatory defects and decreased diffusing capacity. Ref:Harrison's medicine-18th edition,page no:2125.