Micronodular pulmonary pattern: association with inhaled aerosol

The micronodular pulmonary radiographic pattern consists of homogeneous rounded densities of 1 mm or less in diameter without a reticular element. The differential diagnosis is limited to alveolar microlithiasis and a few other conditions, such as intravenous talc injection. Two patients with this image had very heavy exposure to hairspray and a pulmonary noncaseating granulomatous tissue reaction. Reports of 31 patients with pulmonary reactions to hairspray aerosols have been reviewed together with original radiographs in five cases. The micronodular pattern occurred in the eight. Aerosol sprays of several sorts were examined by electron microscopy and x-ray energy dispersive spectrometry. Although the pathogenesis of the pulmonary reaction has not been established, steroids and abstinence from further exposure to aerosols encourage its disappearance.
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