Title : Pattern of radiological findings in certified silicosis patients at a tertiary care centre in Rajasthan, India
Abstract:
Background: Silicosis is a progressive occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust and remains a significant public health problem among workers engaged in mining and stone-related industries. Chest radiography continues to play a crucial role in the diagnosis and assessment of disease severity, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to evaluate the spectrum of chest radiographic findings among certified silicosis patients attending a tertiary care centre in Rajasthan, India.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Ajmer, over a period of 17 months from 1st August 2024 to 31st January 2026. Demographic, occupational, clinical, and radiological data were collected and analysed. Chest X-ray findings were documented and categorized based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) classification system for pneumoconiosis.
Results: A total of 70 certified silicosis cases were analyzed. The disease predominantly affected middle-aged individuals in their economically productive years, with a marked male predominance and a strong association with rural residence, low socioeconomic status, and poor literacy levels. Most patients had occupational exposure duration between 11–15 years and were commonly engaged in high-risk occupations such as stone loading, stone blasting, stone drilling, and stone crushing. Radiologically, multiple small nodules represented the most frequent chest X-ray abnormality, followed by fibrosis, hilar lymphadenopathy, fibrocavitary disease, and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Most patients belonged to ILO profusion category 1, although advanced radiological changes including PMF and fibrocavitary lesions were also noted in a substantial number of patients.
Conclusion: The study highlights the characteristic radiological patterns of silicosis. Multiple small nodular opacities were the predominant radiological manifestation of silicosis. A substantial proportion of patients demonstrated advanced radiological changes, including fibrosis, fibrocavitary lesions, and progressive massive fibrosis, reflecting significant disease burden among silica-exposed workers. These findings highlight the importance of regular radiological surveillance and early detection strategies for workers at risk of occupational silica exposure.
