[Bronchial asthma with inflammation of the nose mucous membrane induced by occupational exposure to methyl methacrylate in a dental technician ].

A case report of a 40-year-old female dental technician with a 13-year history of methyl methacrylate exposure is presented. Symptoms of dyspnea, wheezing, coughing and rhinorrhea occurred 6-8 months after the first occupational contact with methyl-methacrylate containing substances. Skin tests performed with a battery of common allergens produced negative results. While performing a provocation test with methyl-methacrylate, the patient developed severe stridor and dyspnea with concomitant decrease in I second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and peak respiratory flow (PEF). The increase in leukocytes, eosinophils, basophils, albumin, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and mast cell tryptase occurred in nasal lavage fluid after bronchial provocation test. The authors conclude that methyl-methacrylate may cause asthma (probably non-atopic) in persons occupationally exposed to its effect.