All::Respiratory::Diseases::Silicosis

Intro

What is Silicosis?

a fibrosing lung disease caused by the inhalation of fine particles of crystalline silicon dioxide

What are the CXR findings in Silicosis?

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

What condition does Silicosis increase your risk of?

developing tuberculosis (silica is toxic to macrophages)

What occupations are at risk of Silicosis?

  • mining
  • slate works
  • foundries
  • potteries