Silicosis and tuberculosis: Part 2--a radiographic presentation of nodular tuberculosis and silicosis

Indolent nodular pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in workers exposed to silica dust may go undetected clinically and radiographically, especially in the absence of identification of tubercle bacilli in sputum. Illustrative cases demonstrating the radiographic manifestations of coexistent pulmonary silicosis and the indolent form of nodular TB are presented. Alterations in the usual chronologic progress, a rapid advance in nodular profusion or size outside the expected time frame, and distinct pattern alterations are features indicating the presence of TB associated with silicosis.