pulmonary disorders
Beryllium Disease
Key Points
Beryllium disease is under-recognized and affects workers in many industries. Chronic beryllium disease should be considered in patients with presumed sarcoidosis given their similar clinical features. High-resolution CT and beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) using blood or bronchoalveolar lavage cells facilitate the diagnosis of chronic beryllium disease Symptomatic patients with cough and dyspnea can be treated with corticosteroids and sometimes immunosuppressants. Prevention involves minimizing exposure to beryllium dust and medical surveillance of exposed workers. 