chronic simple silicosis

Radiology: - chest X-ray a) silicotic nodules of various size (< 1.5 cm) predominantly in upper lung fields b) nodules may enlarge or coalesce c) number & size of nodules increases with increased exposure d) eggshell calcification of hilar nodes is common (also seen in sarcoidosis) Special laboratory: - Pulmonary function testing: normal or minimally abnormal

References

Mayo Internal Medicine Board Review, 1998-99, Prakash UBS (ed) Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1998, pg 758