Medical Radiology - Lazar A.P. 2008

Radiological examination of the chest cavity
Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis is an occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust. Prolonged inhalation of dust of any origin (metallic, organic, or inorganic) triggers a proliferative reaction in the interstitial lung tissue, leading to the onset and progression of pneumosclerosis. Dust particles smaller than 5 microns are considered the most harmful. Depending on The Nature of the dust, types include silicosis (dust containing silica - SiО2), anthracosis (coal dust), siderosis (iron dust), among others.

X-ray Examination is the primary diagnostic tool for pneumoconiosis. Key findings include enhanced and distorted lung markings, reduced transparency of the pulmonary tissue, widened and unstructured lung roots, emphysema, thickening of the interlobar Pleura, bulging of the pulmonary trunk, and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Depending on the body's reactivity, the Nature of the dust, and the character of the pathological process (diffuse or focal), interstitial, nodular, and massive progressive (conglomerate) forms of the disease are distinguished. The interstitial form of pneumoconiosis is characterized by a reticular pattern of opacities resulting from Connective Tissue thickening around the pulmonary vessels and Bronchi. In the nodular form, chest radiographs reveal numerous focal shadows up to 1 cm in size due to connective tissue proliferation around dust particles. Disease progression leads to The formation of infiltrative shadows, which characterizes the massive fibrotic form of the disease (Fig. 115).