Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a green tea manufacturer

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is caused by numerous agents, and one of its histopathological features is poorly formed granulomas. We report here a rare case of occupational HP caused by green tea, showing well‐formed granulomas. The patient, a 54‐year‐old woman who had worked for 15 years in a green tea factory, was referred for abnormal chest X‐ray shadows with cough and breathlessness over a 2‐month period. The chest X‐ray and high‐resolution computed tomography showed diffuse bilateral ground‐glass opacities and poorly defined centrilobular nodules. Histopathological examination of the thoracoscopic lung biopsy specimens showed bronchiolocentric interstitial pneumonia with well‐formed granulomas. Although the form of granulomas were atypical, laboratory data, CT findings, and intradermal skin testing suggested the diagnosis of subacute HP caused by green tea. After transfer to a different department, her condition improved markedly. Taking a precise medical history and avoidance of the suspected environmental agent proved useful in diagnosing this condition. © 2016 The Authors. Respirology Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Asian Pacific Society of Respirology