Berylliosis Workup

  • Author: Raed A Dweik, MD, FACP, FRCP(C), FCCP, FCCM, FAHA; Chief Editor: Zab Mosenifar, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 26, 2011
 

Laboratory Studies

Blood BeLPT currently is the test of choice to identify beryllium workers who develop beryllium sensitization or chronic beryllium disease (CBD).[5, 6, 7] Blood BeLPT has an integral role in reaching a diagnosis of CBD. The test involves exposing peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro to beryllium salts at varying concentrations for variable time intervals. Cell proliferation in the presence of beryllium indicates a positive test result. BeLPT is only performed in selected specialized laboratories, including the following:

Center for Epidemiologic Research

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

Former Beryllium Worker Medical Surveillance Program

ORISE/CER, P.O. Box 117

Oak Ridge, TN 27831-0117

(865) 576-3115

(865) 241-6152

FAX (865) 241-2923

Cleveland Clinic Foundation

9500 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44195-0001

(216) 444-2200

(216) 444-8844

(800) CCF-CARE (223-2273) ext 48844 or 55763

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Pulmonary Immunology Laboratory

815 East Gates Building, 4300 Spruce Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283

National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine

Cellular Immunology Tests

Pulmonary Division and Occupational/Environmental Medicine Division

1400 Jackson Street

Denver, CO 80206

(303) 388-4461

Specialty Laboratories, Inc.

OncQuest

2211 Michigan Avenue

Santa Monica, CA 90404-3900

(310) 828-6543 or (800) 421-4449

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Imaging Studies

Findings on chest radiograph are normal in about half of the patients with documented chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Abnormal findings include hilar adenopathy and/or increased interstitial markings.

High-resolution CT (HRCT) scan of the chest is more sensitive than the chest radiograph.[8] Typical findings on HRCT scan are ground glass opacification (see the image below), parenchymal nodules, or septal lines. Findings on HRCT scan are negative in 25% of patients with documented CBD.

A high-resolution CT scan of the chest showing theA high-resolution CT scan of the chest showing the typical ground glass appearance in a patient with chronic beryllium disease, or berylliosis.
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Other Tests

Pulmonary function tests include the following:

  • Spirometry
  • Lung volumes
  • Diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO)
  • Arterial blood gases
  • Cardiopulmonary exercise

With disease progression, spirometry may show evidence of obstruction, restriction, or both. In an early study in 40 patients with advanced CBD, an obstructive pattern was observed in 39% of patients, a restrictive pattern in 20%, and a low DLCO in 36%.

The DLCO declines over the course of the disease.

The most sensitive test is abnormalities in gas exchange during exercise.

Laser microprobe mass spectrographic (LAMMS) analysis can be used to detect beryllium in histologic sections from lung biopsy specimens. This test is not necessary for the diagnosis and is not widely available.

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Procedures

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy with BAL and transbronchial biopsies (TBBX) usually is the first invasive step necessary to confirm a suspected diagnosis of CBD. Patients with CBD usually have BAL lymphocytosis (>20% lymphocytes). The BeLPT test also can be performed on BAL cells. Transbronchial biopsies are sent for histology. A minimum of 6 high-quality biopsies should be obtained to optimize the yield. If TBBX results are negative but the suspicion for CBD remains high (eg, a positive result on BeLPT and/or a high percentage of lymphocytes in the BAL specimens), consider repeat bronchoscopy.

Open lung biopsy may need to be performed if repeat bronchoscopy findings still are negative.

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Histologic Findings

The hallmark of CBD is the presence of nonnecrotizing granulomas on lung biopsy (see the image below). These granulomas are histopathologically indistinguishable from sarcoid granulomas.

A histopathology slide (hematosin and eosin stain)A histopathology slide (hematosin and eosin stain) showing the typical well-formed granuloma of chronic beryllium disease, or berylliosis.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Raed A Dweik, MD, FACP, FRCP(C), FCCP, FCCM, FAHA,  Associate Professor of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine; Director, Pulmonary Vascular Program, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic

Raed A Dweik, MD, FACP, FRCP(C), FCCP, FCCM, FAHA, is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Thoracic Society, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and Society of Critical Care Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Oleh Wasyl Hnatiuk, MD  Program Director, National Capital Consortium, Pulmonary and Critical Care, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences

Oleh Wasyl Hnatiuk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Gregg T Anders, DO  Medical Director, Great Plains Regional Medical Command , Brooke Army Medical Center; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Disease, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Gregg T Anders, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Timothy D Rice, MD  Associate Professor, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine

Timothy D Rice, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Zab Mosenifar, MD  Director, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Director, Women's Guild Pulmonary Disease Institute, Professor and Executive Vice Chair, Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine

Zab Mosenifar, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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A high-resolution CT scan of the chest showing the typical ground glass appearance in a patient with chronic beryllium disease, or berylliosis.
A histopathology slide (hematosin and eosin stain) showing the typical well-formed granuloma of chronic beryllium disease, or berylliosis.
 
 
 
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