[Use of diverse diagnostic techniques in the study of silicosis]

This study would examine the efficiency of different diagnostic tools, imaging and functional, in the study of pulmonary system of workers exposed to silicotigen dusts. 24 male miners were examined with chest H.R.T.C., spirometry with study of DLCO and of total lung capacity. 13 of 24 miners were submitted to pulmonary ventilatory scintigraphy (99mTcDTPA). All 24 miners were previously yet submitted to two follow-up by means of chest radiography in conformity with ILO guidelines. The chest radiography, even evaluated in conformity with ILO guidelines, is subject to remarkable differences when performed and reported by different operator. Useful data are provided by functional studies. H.R.T.C. is necessary to evaluate the degree of parenchymal involvement and for medicolegal porpoises. Scintigraphy with 99mTc DTPA need of further studies in the evaluation of exposure to silicotigen dusts.