complicated silicosis; progressive massive (silico) fibrosis

Disabling & life-threatening disorder. Etiology: autoimmune mechanism is postulated Pathology: 1) begins as simple silicosis 2) gradually produces bilateral, symmetrical pulmonary nodules (> 1 cm) in the upper lung fields 3) compensatory emphysema 4) hypoxemia 5) cor pulmonale Laboratory: 1) antinuclear antibody may be positive 2) rheumatoid factor may be positive Special laboratory: - Pulmonary function testing: obstructive & restrictive patterns

References

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