Reversible Pulmonary Mass Associated with Long-term Welding Fume Exposure: A Case Report.

A 68-year-old long-term welder was referred for the evaluation of a right lower lobe opacity after a fever and cough had resolved. Chest CT revealed a mass-like lesion in the right lower lobe with heterogeneous high-attenuation areas and centrilobular nodular opacities in both upper lobes. A transbronchial biopsy of the mass-like lesion showed hemosiderin deposits with fibrosis and mild inflammation, without any findings strongly suggestive of infection or malignancy. The lesion partially regressed following a reduction in welding fume exposure, suggesting a possible association with chronic occupational exposure and a transient non-specific pulmonary insult.The recognition of occupational exposure and short-term follow-up may help avoid unnecessary invasive procedures in the future.