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 TB (silica is toxic to macrophages).
Occupations at risk of silicosis
Features
Occupations at risk of silicosis
- mining
- slate works
- foundries
- potteries
Features
- fibrosing lung disease
- 'egg-shell' calcification of the hilar lymph nodes
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| © Image used on license from Radiopaedia | |
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)
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| © Image used on license from Radiopaedia | |
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.