Talc granulomatosis - A differential diagnosis of interstitial lung disease in HIV patients

Consumers of adulterated drugs may present with talc-induced interstitial l ung disease. A transbronchial biopsy specimen showing granulomas with intra cellular talc crystals is necessary to confirm this diagnosis. In patients infected with HIV, such a condition can be indistinguishable at first glanc e from opportunistic infections or other pulmonary diseases. A case is pres ented of a seropositive patient whose chest radiographs showed a diffuse in terstitial pattern.