Pulmonary talcosis in the setting of cosmetic talcum powder use

Abstract

Pulmonary talcosis is a rare pneumoconiosis that is difficult to diagnose and may progress to debilitating lung disease. Four types of talcosis are described in literature: talc-silicosis and talc-asbestosis secondary to inhalation in industry workers and talc-emboli in intravenous drug users that self-inject talc-containing oral tablets. Although found in common household products, talc is overlooked as a cause of pneumoconiosis. Talcosis caused by cosmetic face powder is even rarer. Here we discuss a woman in her 50s who developed talcosis from inhalation of cutaneous cosmetics two years prior, and how comprehensive history may be crucial in diagnosing this rare disease.

Keywords: Fibrosis; Lung disease; Pneumoconiosis; Talcosis.

Fig. 1

Diffuse, bilateral ground-glass nodules in centrilobular pattern.

Fig. 2

Transbronchial biopsy with abundant macrophages and talc crystals. Color should be used. (For interpretation of the references to color in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

Fig. 3

Transbronchial biopsy with titanium particles in addition to talc crystals Color should be used.