Bronchial Anthracostenosis in Patients Exposed to Biomass Smoke

Study Objectives: To evaluate the clinical, radiological and broncho­scopic features of 27 patients with anthracostenosis.

Design: All pa­tients with anthracostenosis determined by bronchoscopic examina­tions between 2002 and 2005 were considered in this retrospective study. Anthracostenosis was defined as anthracotic pigment deposi­tion and the narrowing of one or more bronchial orifice in cases with no history of smoking or occupational exposure to dust.

Results: Of the 27 patients, 25 were female and two male. The mean age was 66.8 (53-77) years. The 27 patients who were exposed to biomass fuel had a mean exposure of 39.3 (10-70) years. With one exception, all cases had abnormal radiological findings in their posteroanterior chest x-rays. The most frequent thorax CT finding was segmental or subsegmental atelectasis (n=20, 74.1%). Histopathologic examina­tions revealed anthracosis in 13 cases, inflammatory cell deposition in 10 and granulomatous inflammation in two. Active tuberculosis was detected in 7 cases (25.9%). No malignancy was found in any of the patients.

Conclusions: Bronchial anthracostenosis is a clinical presentation caused by biomass exposure and is encountered most commonly in older females. Nationwide measures should be taken to prevent biomass fuel pollution.