EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

Silicosis is one of the most common occupational respiratory diseases in our environment. It occurs by inhalation of free crystalline silicon dioxide or silica, which causes a fibrotic response in the lung parenchyma. It manifests as diffuse interstitial disease. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic types to chronic respiratory failure. With the exclusion of other competing diagnoses, the diagnosis of silicosis is based on clinical history and radiological findings. Mycobacterial diseases, airway obstruction, and lung cancer are associated with silica dust exposure. As of now, there is no curative treatment. However, inclusive management strategies may help to improve the quality of life and slow deterioration. We report the case of a 56-year-old man, who presented acute exacerbation of a chronic cough and chest pain, who is a well-digger by profession, whose diagnosis of complicated chronic silicosis is made in front of the association of clinical and radiological findings. This paper illustrates the clinical, radiological, and functional aspects of silicosis.

 Keywords: Silicosis; Occupational Lung Diseases; CT Scan; Fibrosis; Lung

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