Berylliosis:
Chapter: 12
Refers to a lung disease due to inhalation of Beryllium. Heavy exposure may cause acute pneumonitis. Chronic berylliosis is caused by induction of cell mediated immunity, resulting in formation of noncaseating granulomas in the lung and hilar lymph nodes, and less frequently in other organs such as the spleen, liver, and kidney. Chronic berylliosis may remain asymptomatic until many years after exposure, when patients present with dyspnea and cough.