Diagnosis
A diagnosis of silicosis is usually made based on chest x-ray or CT appearance. CT is more sensitive than x-ray.
Patients with silicosis will gave an occupational history of silica exposure. A diagnosis of silicosis is usually made based on chest x-ray or CT appearance. CT is more sensitive than x-ray. Helical CT and high-resolution techniques are used. Tissue biopsy may be required for confirmation.
Adjunctive tests include:
- Tuberculin skin testing
- Sputum culture and cytology
- PET scan
- Bronchoscopy
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The following investigations are not of definitive diagnostic value but help to monitor disease progression:
- Pulmonary function tests
- Measures of gas exchange by pulse oximetry or preferably indwelling arterial catheter is a highly sensitive measure of lung function impairment
Tests for Antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor are also employed as they may suggest (not diagnostic) a coexisting connective tissue disorder.
