CASE REPORT
A case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a worker exposed to terephthalic acid in the production of polyethylene terephthalate
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1
University of Siena, Siena, Italy
(Department of Medical Biotechnology, Unit of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital of Siena)
2
University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
(Unit of Pathology)
3
University of Siena, Siena, Italy
(Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, University Hospital of Siena)
Online publication date: 2019-10-30
Corresponding author
Pietro Sartorelli
University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Unit of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital of Siena, Viale
Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(1):119-23
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ABSTRACT
Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (OHP) is an interstitial lung disease caused by sensitization to an inhaled antigen. Polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) is mainly used for disposable beverage bottles. A clinical case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in a 66-year-old patient in the follow-up
as a worker formerly exposed to asbestos is presented. At the first visit in 2012 a diagnosis of asbestosis and pleural plaques was formulated. In 2017
the high resolution computed tomography was performed demonstrating a slight progression of the pulmonary fibrosis, while physical examinations
revealed inspiratory crackles on auscultation, and lung function tests showed a decreased diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. The radiological
and histological pictures were compatible with HP. From 1992 to 2013 the patient worked in a chemical company that produced PET for disposable
beverage bottles. A diagnosis of OHP was made, and the most likely causative agents were terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate. To the best
of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of an OHP case in PET production. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(1):119–23