Silicosis With Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in the Western Rajasthan

Objective Silicosis is one of the common occupational lung diseases caused by crystalline silica respiration. Pneumothorax is one of the most common and morbid complications of silicosis involving lung pleura. It is commonly seen unilaterally in chronic silicosis and can often be lethal. The purpose of this study is to report secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) in critically ill patients with silicosis. Methods A cross-sectional study was done between January 2019 and June 2019 at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Medical College in Jaipur, India. A cohort of 50 patients with dyspnea and a history of silicosis were studied. A chest X-ray and sputum for acid fast bacilli were checked on all suspected cases. Results The present study showed that the mean age of patients was 38.7 years, all silicosis patients had dyspnea, and 96% of patients had severe chest pain. The results of chest X-rays concluded the evidence of silicosis. Bilateral pneumothorax was seen in three cases, right-sided pneumothorax in eight cases, and left-sided pneumothorax in 11 cases. The rate of pneumothorax incidence in silicosis patients was about 44%, which is higher than the current evidence. Six patients were managed conservatively with oxygen and bronchodilators, and 16 patients underwent through tube thoracostomy. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of considering spontaneous pneumothorax in patients who are presenting with shortness of breath and/or chest pain especially with a known history of silicosis, as the timely diagnosis can alter the management of this morbid condition which carries a high mortality rate if left untreated, compromising the lung expansion, venous return, cardiac output, oxygenation and eventually leading to death.