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ALL / Respiratory Medicine

Silicosis

Silicosis

Silicosis is a fibrosing lung disease caused by the inhalation of fine particles of crystalline silicon dioxide (silica). It is a risk factor for developing tuberculosis (silica is toxic to macrophages).

Occupations at risk of silicosis
  • mining
  • slate works
  • foundries
  • potteries

Features
  • upper zone fibrosing lung disease
  • 'egg-shell' calcification of the hilar lymph nodes

Chest x-ray from a patient with silicosis. Note the bilateral diffuse upper lobe reticular shadowing superimposed with occasional scattered mass like opacities. These features are in keeping with silicosis and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF)

CT scan from a patient with silicosis showing upper zone predominant mass-like scarring with calcification and volume loss. Hilar and mediastinal lymph node calcification also noted. No cavitary changes are seen. There is a left pleural effusion.
+PassMedicine Notes

Silicosis is a fibrosing lung disease caused by the inhalation of fine particles of crystalline silicon dioxide (silica). It is a risk factor for developing tuberculosis (silica is toxic to macrophages).

Occupations at risk of silicosis
  • mining
  • slate works
  • foundries
  • potteries
Features
  • upper zone fibrosing lung disease
  • 'egg-shell' calcification of the hilar lymph nodes
xrb151.jpg Chest x-ray from a patient with silicosis. Note the bilateral diffuse upper lobe reticular shadowing superimposed with occasional scattered mass like opacities. These features are in keeping with silicosis and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) xrb152.jpg CT scan from a patient with silicosis showing upper zone predominant mass-like scarring with calcification and volume loss. Hilar and mediastinal lymph node calcification also noted. No cavitary changes are seen. There is a left pleural effusion.

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