Silicosis in artificial stone workers: Spectrum of radiological high-resolution CT chest findings

Abstract

Silicosis in artificial stone workers has become increasingly recognised in Australia over the last two years, with a large proportion of screened workers showing imaging features of the disease. The spectrum of findings has differed from the classical silicosis previously described, with many features of accelerated disease, including ground-glass opacities and progressive massive fibrosis. This cohort of patients presents after exposure to a unique product high in silica and other binding agents, and the patterns of disease on imaging in this cohort are not previously described. This article reviews the radiological features seen in different forms of silicosis seen to date in this Australian cohort.

Keywords: chest imaging; computed tomography; high-resolution CT; respiratory; silicosis.