Pulmonary talcosis: CT findings in three cases

The authors describe the computed tomographic (CT) appearances in three patients with pulmonary talcosis resulting from chronic intravenous drug abuse. There was widespread ground-glass attenuation in one case and an appearance similar to that of progressive massive fibrosis in two cases. In the latter cases, there were confluent perihilar masses with areas of high attenuation. While the CT appearances may be suggestive of pulmonary talcosis, tissue sampling is required for definitive diagnosis.