TY - JOUR T1 - Silicosis in Artificial Quartz Conglomerate Workers JO - Archivos de Bronconeumología T2 - AU - Martínez González,Cristina AU - Prieto González,Amador AU - García Alfonso,Lucía AU - Fernández Fernández,Luis AU - Moreda Bernardo,Ariel AU - Fernández Álvarez,Ramon AU - Rolle-Sóñora,Valeria AU - Ruano Raviña,Alberto AU - Casan Clarà,Pere SN - 15792129 M3 - 10.1016/j.arbr.2019.07.001 DO - 10.1016/j.arbr.2019.07.001 UR - https://www.archbronconeumol.org/en-silicosis-in-artificial-quartz-conglomerate-articulo-S157921291930196X AB - IntroductionSilicosis is a chronic progressive disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica. Most cases develop in underground mine workers and in subjects involved in the extraction of natural stone (slate and granite). In view of the progressive emergence of new cases of silicosis in artificial quartz conglomerate workers, we performed a study to analyze the characteristics of silicosis produced by this new agent in Spain. MethodsThe study consisted of a series of 96 cases of silicosis diagnosed according to international criteria during the period 2010–2017. We analyzed clinical, radiological, pathological and functional characteristics. ResultsMean age of participants was 45 years; 55% had simple silicosis and 45% had complicated silicosis. Ten patients were diagnosed with accelerated silicosis, with a mean age of 33 years. Mean time of exposure to conglomerates was 15 years, and 77% had not used appropriate protection measures. Half of the patients were asymptomatic and presented different classic forms on chest X-ray and chest high-resolution computed tomography, along with ground-glass images. No lung function changes were recorded. ConclusionsSilicosis in artificial quartz conglomerate workers occurs in a young, actively employed population, a considerable percentage of whom present an accelerated form. They have few symptoms and no functional limitations. Protection measures are scarce. It is important to characterize these features to provide early diagnosis and implement the necessary preventive measures. ER -