PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Anthony, J. S.
AU  - Zamel, N.
AU  - Aberman, A.
TI  - Abnormalities in pulmonary function after brief exposure to toxic metal fumes
DP  - 1978 Sep 23
TA  - Canadian Medical Association Journal
PG  - 586--588
VI  - 119
IP  - 6
4099  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/119/6/586.short
4100  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/119/6/586.full
SO  - CMAJ1978 Sep 23; 119
AB  - A 26-year-old welder became ill after exposure to zinc and cadmium fumes at work. His initial clinical course was consistent with that of metal fume fever, but persistence of symptoms and signs beyond the usual duration in this condition led to suspicion of a toxic pulmonary reaction to cadmium. The finding of high percentages of both metals in the urine confirmed this diagnosis. Pulmonary function tests showed restriction of lung volumes, with increased elastic recoil and reduced diffusion, but no evidence of airways obstruction. Chest roentgenograms indicated central pulmonary edema, which cleared in 6 days. Follow-up assessment 2 years later showed incomplete improvement of the restrictive ventilatory defect.