Silicosis CT
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Silicosis CT On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Silicosis CT |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
CT
A computed tomography or CT scan can also provide a mode detailed analyses of the nodules, and can reveal cavitation due to concomitant mycobacterial infection. The HRCT findings consist of numerous bilateral centrilobular nodular opacities, focal ground glass opacities, and patchy areas of consolidation [54]. In a small series that compared pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and acute silicosis, the most common HRCT finding in PAP was “crazy paving”, while the most common finding in acute silicosis was dependent consolidation and nodular calcification [55]. (See "Clinical manifestations and etiology of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in adults".)
Hilar lymph node enlargement may be apparent on HRCT, which is a typical feature of silicosis, but not of PAP [53]. In a series of 13 patients, calcified lymph nodes were noted on HRCT in 11 (85 percent) [54]. (See "Imaging of occupational lung diseases", section on 'Silicosis'.)