Pneumoconiosis: Comparison of Imaging and Pathologic Findings

Abstract

Pneumoconiosis may be classified as either fibrotic or nonfibrotic, according to the presence or absence of fibrosis. Silicosis, coal worker pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, berylliosis, and talcosis are examples of fibrotic pneumoconiosis. Siderosis, stannosis, and baritosis are nonfibrotic forms of pneumoconiosis that result from inhalation of iron oxide, tin oxide, and barium sulfate particles, respectively. In an individual who has a history of exposure to silica or coal dust, a finding of nodular or reticulonodular lesions at chest radiography or small nodules with a perilymphatic distribution at thin-section computed tomography (CT), with or without eggshell calcifications, is suggestive of silicosis or coal worker pneumoconiosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is helpful for distinguishing between progressive massive fibrosis and lung cancer. CT and histopathologic findings in asbestosis are similar to those in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but the presence of asbestos bodies in histopathologic specimens is specific for the diagnosis of asbestosis. Giant cell interstitial pneumonia due to exposure to hard metals is classified as a fibrotic form of pneumoconiosis and appears on CT images as mixed ground-glass opacities and reticulation. Berylliosis simulates pulmonary sarcoidosis on CT images. CT findings in talcosis include small centrilobular and subpleural nodules or heterogeneous conglomerate masses that contain foci of high attenuation indicating talc deposition. Siderosis is nonfibrotic and is indicated by a CT finding of poorly defined centrilobular nodules or ground-glass opacities.

Reversed halo sign in hypersensitivity pneumonia: a diagnostic difficulty

“…Histologically, the characteristic lesion for CWP is the coal macula, consisting of numerous pigment-laden macrophages that correspond to centrilobular or subpleural nodules on HRCT (12). In HP, small nodular appearances correlate with the presence of alveolitis, interstitial infiltrates, small granulomas, and cellular bronchiolitis (13).…”

Talcoasbestose e tuberculose pulmonar em paciente exposta a talco em confecção de bolas de futebol

“…(2)(3)(4) Intravenous talc granulomatosis occurs when individuals abuse oral medications, such as psychotropic drugs (opioids), by administering them intravenously, together with the talc that those drugs contain. Because of the hematogenous dissemination of the talc particles, the granulomas present a peribronchovascular distribution and can coalesce, causing architectural distortion and formation of extensive areas of panlobular emphysema, predominantly in the lower interstitial involvement predominates, and obstructive lung disease, which occurs when airway involvement is more pronounced.…”

Mediastenin Benign Lenf Nodu Hastaliklari

“…Bunun dışında maden ve tünel işçilerinde de akut silikozis görülür. Kronik formu maruziyet ortadan kalksa bile yıllar sonra görülebilir ve yaygın parankimal nodüllerle karşımıza çıkar (26). Silikoziste parankimal nodüller ve plevral kalınlaşmanın yanısıra mediastinal lenfadenopatilere sebep olur.…”