The clinical significance of ferruginous bodies in sputa.

The clinical significance of ferruginous bodies in sputa was examined in a study of 674 former asbestos workers. Data from occupational histories and smoking behavior questionnaires, chest radiographs, spirometric measurements and counts of ferruginous bodies were obtained as part of a five-year surveillance program. Statistical analysis demonstrated that ferruginous bodies found in the sputa were significantly related to radiographic findings of interstitial pulmonary disease and pleural fibrosis and to spirometric findings of restrictive lung disease. Age and cigarette smoking were also found to be related to the presence of ferruginous bodies.