Silicosis classification
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Classification
There are 5 subtypes of silicosis that are differentiated according to the duration of exposure, development of symptoms, pulmonary function, and findings on chest imaging.
| Subtype | Duration of Exposure | Symptoms | Pulmonary Function | Imaging Findings |
| Simple Chronic | Disease develops > 10 years following exposure to low - moderate concentrations of silica dust | Often asymptomatic | May be normal or reduced | Nodules < 10 mm |
| Complicated Chronic | Disease develops > 10 years following exposure to silica dust | Dyspnea and cough | May be normal or reduced | Nodules > 1 cm with either obstructive or restrictive changes of variable severity |
| Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis | Disease develops > 10 years following exposure to silica dust. | Dyspnea | May be normal or reduced | Diffuse reticulonodular pattern similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis |
| Accelerated Silicosis | Disease develops 5 to 10 years following high exposure to silica dust | Dyspnea, weakness, and weight loss | Reduced with rapid deterioration of FVC and FEV1 | Rapidly progressing nodules and masses |
| Acute Silicosis | Disease develops within 5 years of exposure to extremely high concentrations of silica dust | Severe, disabling dyspnea, weakness, weight loss, and progressive respiratory failure | Reduced with restrictive changes and reduced diffusion capacity | Bilateral perihilar acinar pattern consolidations with ground glass appearance |