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

Features

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). © 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). © 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.

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.