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The relationship between mediastinal lymph node attenuation with parenchymal lung parameters in silicosis
C G C Ooi1, P L Khong, R S Y Cheng
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. cgcooi@hkucc.hku.hk
Summary
Mediastinal lymph node (LN) calcification patterns on CT scans are common in silicosis. Increased LN attenuation correlates with lung alterations and impaired lung function in patients with silicosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Silicosis is a progressive lung disease caused by silica dust inhalation.
- Mediastinal lymph node (LN) changes on computed tomography (CT) may indicate disease severity.
- Understanding these changes can aid in assessing lung function impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between computed tomography (CT) findings of mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs) and lung alterations in silicosis.
- To determine the association between LN attenuation and functional impairment in silicosis patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrieved CT and clinical data from 41 male silicosis patients.
- Evaluated LN attenuation type and calcification patterns on CT.
- Quantified LN attenuation in uncalcified LNs and graded nodular profusion (CT-NP) and progressive massive fibrosis (CT-PMF).
Main Results:
- Uniformly calcified and hyperdense LNs were common; eggshell calcification was rare.
- Higher CT-NP scores correlated with increased LN attenuation and calcified LN stations.
- LN attenuation showed significant correlations with CT-PMF, CT-NP, and DLCO/VA (lung function).
Conclusions:
- Uniformly calcified and hyperdense LNs are characteristic findings in silicosis.
- Mediastinal LN attenuation on CT is associated with lung disease severity and functional impairment in silicosis.