Abstract
Sixteen cases of desert lung with cataracts were previously reported on, and an additional 14 cases have now been encountered from the same area of which 13 had cataracts. The association of cataract with desert lung was not commented on in the previous report, because it was thought to be coincidental. It now appears to be real rather than coincidental. Analysis of these 33 patients showed the following: none had significant clinical signs; x-ray findings were mainly those of micronodular miliary infiltrates; 88% were found to have cataracts; 85% were females. The frequency of cataract among patients over the age of 50 years coming to the hospital for eye problems was 26%. These figures showed a distinct relationship between desert lung and cataract in the Arabian desert. The causal relationship is not as yet clear, but 'tandoor' baking is suggested as the main factor.
Full text
PDF
Images in this article
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Fossati C. Sulla possibilità e sulla frequenza della silicosi polmonare tra gli abitanti del deserto Libico. Med Lav. 1969 Feb;60(2):144–149. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Hirsch M., Bar-Ziv J., Lehmann E., Goldberg G. M. Simple siliceous pneumoconiosis of Bedouin females in the Negev desert. Clin Radiol. 1974 Oct;25(4):507–510. doi: 10.1016/s0009-9260(74)80135-2. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- POLICARD A., COLLET A. Deposition of siliceous dust in the lungs of the inhabitants of the Saharan regions. AMA Arch Ind Hyg Occup Med. 1952 Jun;5(6):527–534. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]