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

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Denim 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.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixty 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.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Silicosis 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.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The 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.</p

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in a marble worker

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rarely seen disease of the alveoli, characterized by accumulation of proteinous material, which stains positive with periodic acid Schiff, in the alveoli. Secondary PAP may develop as a result of occupational exposure to materials such as silica and indium. In the paper, together with a review of the relevant literature, we present an uncommon case of a 47-year old male, marble worker who was diagnosed with PAP associated with a 12-year history of exposure to marble dust. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):871–87

Volume changes in the gallbladder in association with various radiologic examinations.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate with sonography the volume changes of the gallbladder after intravenous administration of nonionic, iodinated contrast agents with or without ingestion of contrast agent or water. METHODS: A total of 191 patients received intravenous injection of 50 ml of nonionic contrast agent (Group A), intravenous injection of 100 ml of contrast medium (Group B), intravenous injection of 100 ml of contrast medium together with ingestion of 1000 ml of a dilute solution of contrast medium (Group C), or 1000 ml of water taken orally (Group D). The gallbladder volume was measured by ultrasonography in the fasting state in all groups, 15 minutes after intravenous injection of contrast medium in Groups A, B, and C and 30 minutes after water ingestion in Group D. RESULTS: In all groups, the volume of the gallbladder was statistically lower after the procedure than before. There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of this gallbladder volume change. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous injection of nonionic, iodinated contrast medium or ingestion of water or a dilute solution of contrast medium for various radiological examinations results in contraction of the gallbladder. Contrast-enhanced radiological examinations may interfere with sonographic evaluation of the gallbladder. If necessary, gallbladder ultrasonographic examination should be repeated with the patient in a fasting state. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:214-217, 2005