Liver granulomas containing copper in vineyard sprayer's lung. A new etiology of hepatic granulomatosis.

In a previous publication the writers described a new pulmonary disease in rural workers who sprayed vineyards with Bordeaux Mixture, a copper sulfate solution neutralized with hydrated lime for the prevention of mildew. The study of the liver of these patients at autopsy and percutaneous biopsy revealed histiocytic and noncaseating granulomas containing inclusions of copper, identified by histochemical techniques. The occupational exposure to copper sulfate, the characteristic pulmonary lesions of vineyard sprayer's lung, and the presence of copper in the liver of these patients define this new variety of hepatic granulomatosis.