Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Silicosis
9:47 PM | 
Diposkan oleh
Hermanto
Silicosis refers to the parenchymal lung diseases associated with crystalline silica exposure, including acute, accelerated, and chronic or classic silicosis. For acute silicosis, an alveolar filling process follows heavy exposure within a few years. 5-10 years for accelerated silicosis and more than 10 years for chronic silicosis.
Free silica (SiO2), or crystalline quartz, is still a major occupational hazard. The major occupational exposures include: mining, employment in abrasive industries (e.g. stone, clay, glass, and cement manufacturing), packing of silica flour, stonecutting, foundry work.People with acute silicosis presents with rapidly progressive dyspnea, they are also at increased risk for mycobacterial infection (with weight loss and fever manifestation).
The diagnosis of chronic silicosis is made on the basis of characteristic radiographic findings and history of employment in a job associated with exposure to silica-containing dust. But we must consider another differential diagnosis for lung masses such as lung cancer, mycobacterial infection.
The chest radiography of chronic silicosis shows small nodules that tend to predominate in the upper lobes. Calcification of the nodules is rare, as is so-called eggshell calcification of enlarged hilar nodes. In acute silicosis, we can find widespread consolidation in chest radiograph. CT may be helpful both in identifying nodules, which are preferentially located in the posterior aspect of the upper lobes, as well as in identifying larger opacities and more coalescence than might be noted on regular chest x-rays.Treatment of silicosis are supportive therapy such as oxygen and rehabilitation. Diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection also important, because silicosis can increase risk factor of this infection.
The prognosis of accelerated silicosis and acute silicosis is poor because of progressiveness loss of lung function. For chronic silicosis, it can lead to progressive impairment and respiratory failure.
