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MDCT findings of denim-sandblasting-induced silicosis: a cross-sectional study
Cihan Akgul Ozmen1, Hasan Nazaroglu, Tekin Yildiz
1Dicle University School of Medicine Department of Radiology 21280, Diyarbakir, Turkey. cihanakgul@gmail.com
Background:
Denim sandblasting is as a novel cause of silicosis in Turkey, with reports of a recent increase in cases and fatal outcomes. We aimed to describe the radiological features of patients exposed to silica during denim sandblasting and define factors related to the development of silicosis.
Methods:
Sixty consecutive men with a history of exposure to silica during denim sandblasting were recruited. All CT examinations were performed using a 64-row multi-detector CT (MDCT). The nodules were qualitatively and semi-quantitatively analyzed by grading nodular profusion (NP) on CT images.
Results:
Silicosis was diagnosed radiologically in 73.3% of patients (44 of 60). The latency period (the time between initial exposure and radiological imaging) and duration of silica exposure was longer in patients diagnosed with silicosis than in those without silicosis (p < 0.05). Nodules were present in all cases with centrilobular type as the commonest (63.6%). All cases of silicosis were clinically classified as accelerated and 11.4% had progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Mild NP lesions were the most prevalent in all six zones of the lung. The NP score was significantly correlated with the duration of silica exposure, the latency period, presence of PMF, and pleural thickening. Enlarged lymphadenopathy was present in 45.5% of patients.
Conclusions:
The duration of exposure and the latency period are important for development of silicosis in denim sandblasters. MDCT is a useful tool in detecting findings of silicosis in workers who has silica exposure.
Insights
Denim sandblasting is a new cause of silicosis in Turkey. Longer exposure duration and latency periods are linked to silicosis development, detectable by multi-detector CT (MDCT).
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Radiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Denim sandblasting has emerged as a significant occupational hazard in Turkey, leading to an increase in silicosis cases and fatalities.
- Silicosis, a serious lung disease, is linked to silica dust exposure, posing a considerable risk to workers in specific industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the radiological manifestations of silicosis in individuals exposed to silica during denim sandblasting.
- To identify key factors contributing to the development of silicosis in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- Sixty male workers with documented silica exposure from denim sandblasting were enrolled.
- High-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans using a 64-row multi-detector CT (MDCT) were performed.
- Nodular profusion (NP) was assessed qualitatively and semi-quantitatively on CT images.
Main Results:
- Silicosis was radiologically confirmed in 73.3% of the participants.
- Patients diagnosed with silicosis had significantly longer latency periods and durations of silica exposure.
- Centrilobular nodules were the most common finding, and accelerated silicosis was prevalent, with 11.4% exhibiting progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).
Conclusions:
- The duration of silica exposure and the latency period are critical determinants in the development of silicosis among denim sandblasters.
- Multi-detector CT (MDCT) is an effective imaging modality for identifying silicosis-related findings in silica-exposed workers.
