MDCT Findings of Denim-Sandblasting-Induced Silicosis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundDenim 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.MethodsSixty 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.ResultsSilicosis 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.ConclusionsThe 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.

Silica: A lung carcinogen

“…More than three‐quarters of the samples, or 79%, had concentrations that were greater than the new standard proposed by OSHA (available at http://osha.gov/dts/hazardalerts/hydraulic_frac_hazard_alert.html). A study in Turkey found high exposure levels and a prevalence of silicosis among workers who sandblasted denim (sandblasting is a well‐known source of high exposure, but sandblasting denim is new!). A study in Chile found that a switch from manual carving to the use of power tools for carving pottery resulted in extremely high levels of silica dust .…”

Silica‐associated lung disease: An old‐world exposure in modern industries

“…Denim sandblasting utilizes silica‐containing sand as an abrasive on the blue jean surface to produce a ‘worn‐out’ look . In 2007, a series of 50 denim jean sandblasters with silicosis was reported in Turkey (53% of 145 screened workers).…”

Mediastenin Benign Lenf Nodu Hastaliklari

“…Silikoziste parankimal nodüller ve plevral kalınlaşmanın yanısıra mediastinal lenfadenopatilere sebep olur. Kronik silikoziste lenfadenopati %63.5 oranında saptanırken akut durumlarda bu oran %45.5 olarak bulunmuştur (27,28). Lenfadenopatilerde kalsifikasyon görülmesi nadirdir (Resim 3).…”