[Coincidence of silicosis and sarcoidosis. 1. Observations in a selected patient sample]

In a group of 1,975 patients with sarcoidosis we observed 11 patients with an additional histologically proved silicosis and 4 further patients with a silicosis found out by X-rays. In 57 other patients of this group we could only state a professional exposure to quartz dust. In this 1st communication we point out casuistries of literature, own experiences, possibilities and necessaries for a secure diagnosis of a coincidence of both diseases without regards of causal and pathogenetic connections. The physician at the hospital will take the last responsibility for diagnosis; it is based as a rule on X-ray-series. Most reliable and uncontradictedly recognized diagnosis of coincidence of silicosis and sarcoidosis is got by histological examination of lymph nodes and lung tissue obtained by microthoracotomy.