Pulmonary Silicatosis: A Case Diagnosed by Needle-aspiration Biopsy and Energy-dispersive X-ray Analysis

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Abstract
The diagnosis of silicatosis was made by observing birefringent crystals in needle-aspiration biopsy specimens of bilateral basilar pulmonary masses in a clay worker, initially suspected of having metastatic neoplasm. Subsequently the crystals were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, which gave supportive evidence for their silicate composition. This experience indicates that needle-aspiration biopsy in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis may be used in the diagnosis of benign pulmonary diseases, especially those of the inhalational fibrogenic variety.

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